Multi-layer high transparency display for light field generation

ABSTRACT

A display device can include a first display configured to produce an image and a plurality of transparent displays. Each of the plurality of transparent displays can be configured to produce a slice of the image to provide depth and a three-dimensional effect to the image, or at least one of the plurality of transparent displays can be configured to block, diffuse, or scatter light associated with the image produced by the first display so that different ones of a plurality of users see different content derived from the image produced by the first display. Each of the transparent displays can be substantially transparent. Further, at least one of the plurality of transparent displays can be made using Smectic A liquid crystals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/362,525 filed on Jul. 14, 2016, which is incorporatedherein by reference; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/362,527filed on Jul. 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/362,533 filed on Jul. 14, 2016,which is incorporated herein by reference; and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/362,536 filed on Jul. 14, 2016, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/629,091 filed Jun. 21, 2017, which isincorporated herein by reference and which was filed as acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/614,261filed Feb. 4, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference and whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/937,062filed Feb. 7, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/955,033 filed Mar. 18, 2014, whichis incorporated herein by reference; and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/039,880 filed Aug. 20, 2014, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/629,091, which was filed Jun. 21,2017, also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/352,981 filed on Jun. 21, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/362,525 filed onJul. 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/362,527 filed on Jul. 14, 2016,which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/362,533 filed on Jul. 14, 2016, which is incorporatedherein by reference; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/362,536 filed on Jul. 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to electronic displays.

BACKGROUND

There are a number of different types of electronic visual displays,such as for example, liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), light-emittingdiode (LED) displays, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays,polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal displays, electrochromic displays,electrophoretic displays, and electrowetting displays. Some displays areconfigured to reproduce color images or video at particular frame rates,while other displays may show static or semi-static content in color orblack and white. A display may be provided as part of a desktopcomputer, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal digital assistant(PDA), smartphone, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch), satellitenavigation device, portable media player, portable game console, digitalsignage, billboard, kiosk computer, point-of-sale device, or othersuitable device. A control panel or status screen in an automobile or ona household or other appliance may include a display. Displays mayinclude a touch sensor that may detect the presence or location of atouch or an object (e.g., a user's finger or a stylus) within atouch-sensitive area of the touch sensor. A touch sensor may enable auser to interact directly with what is displayed on a display.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments are directed to a display device. In an aspect,a display device can include a first display configured to produce animage and a plurality of transparent displays. Each of the plurality oftransparent displays can be configured to produce a slice of the imageto provide depth and a three-dimensional effect to the image, or atleast one of the plurality of transparent displays can be configured toblock, diffuse, or scatter light associated with the image produced bythe first display so that different ones of a plurality of users seedifferent content derived from the image produced by the first display.Each of the transparent displays can be substantially transparent. Eachof the transparent displays can be substantially transparent. Further,at least one of the plurality of transparent displays can be made usingSmectic A liquid crystals.

One or more embodiments are directed to a method. In an aspect, a methodcan include providing a first display configured to produce an image andproviding a plurality of transparent displays. Each of the plurality oftransparent displays can be configured to produce a slice of the imageto provide depth and a three-dimensional effect to the image, or atleast one of the plurality of transparent displays can be configured toblock, diffuse, or scatter light associated with the image produced bythe first display so that different ones of a plurality of users seedifferent content derived from the image produced by the first display.Each of the transparent displays can be substantially transparent. Atleast one of the plurality of transparent displays can be made usingSmectic A liquid crystals.

One or more other embodiments are directed to a method. In an aspect, amethod can include displaying an image using a first display. The methodcan also include displaying the image by generating a slice of the imageon each of a plurality of transparent displays to provide depth and athree-dimensional effect to the image, or blocking, diffusing, orscattering light associated with the image produced by the first displayusing at least one of the plurality of transparent displays so thatdifferent ones of a plurality of users see different content derivedfrom the image produced by the first display. Each of the plurality oftransparent displays can be substantially transparent. At least one ofthe plurality of transparent displays can be made using Smectic A liquidcrystals.

This Summary section is provided merely to introduce certain conceptsand not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter. Many other features and embodiments of the invention will beapparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings show one or more embodiments; however, theaccompanying drawings should not be taken to limit the invention to onlythe embodiments shown. Various aspects and advantages will becomeapparent upon review of the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example display device with a display showing animage of a submarine.

FIG. 2 illustrates the example display device of FIG. 1 with the displaypresenting information in a semi-static mode.

FIGS. 3 and 4 each illustrate an example display device with a displayhaving different regions configured to operate in different displaymodes.

FIGS. 5 and 6 each illustrate an exploded view of a portion of anexample display.

FIGS. 7 and 8 each illustrate an exploded view (on the left) of anexample display and (on the right) a front view of an example displaydevice with the example display.

FIGS. 9 and 10 each illustrate an exploded view (on the left) of anotherexample display and (on the right) a front view of an example displaydevice with the example display.

FIGS. 11 and 12 each illustrate an exploded view (on the left) ofanother example display and (on the right) a front view of an exampledisplay device with the example display.

FIGS. 13 and 14 each illustrate an exploded view of another exampledisplay.

FIGS. 15 and 16 each illustrate an exploded view of another exampledisplay.

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of an example partially emissive display.

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate example partially emissive pixels.

FIGS. 19-23 each illustrate an exploded view of an example display.

FIGS. 24A-24B each illustrate a side view of an examplepolymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) pixel.

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of an example electrochromic pixel.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of an example electro-dispersivepixel.

FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of the example electro-dispersive pixelof FIG. 26.

FIGS. 28A-28C each illustrate a top view of an exampleelectro-dispersive pixel.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of an example electrowettingpixel.

FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of the example electrowetting pixel ofFIG. 29.

FIGS. 31A-31C each illustrate a top view of an example electrowettingpixel.

FIG. 32 illustrates an example computer system.

FIGS. 33 and 34 each illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exampledisplay.

FIG. 35A-35D each illustrates example liquid crystals.

FIG. 36A-36B illustrate example Smectic A liquid crystals in scatteringand transparent states, respectively.

FIG. 37A-37D each illustrates an example projection system.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example architecture for the projector of FIG.37.

FIG. 39 illustrates an example architecture for the projection device ofFIG. 37.

FIG. 40 illustrates an exploded view of an example of the projectionlayer of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 illustrates an example method of implementing a projectionsystem.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example method of operation for a projectiondevice.

FIG. 43 illustrates another example display device with a display.

FIG. 44 illustrates an exploded view of an example display of thedisplay device of FIG. 41.

FIGS. 45A-45E illustrate examples of partially emissive pixels having analpha channel.

FIG. 46 illustrates another example implementation of the display ofFIGS. 43-44.

FIG. 47 illustrates an exploded view of an example display deviceincluding a camera.

FIG. 48 illustrates an example method for implementing a display.

FIG. 49 illustrates an example method for operation of a display.

FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded view of an example display.

FIG. 51 illustrates another example display.

FIG. 52 illustrates another example display.

FIG. 53 illustrates another example display.

FIGS. 54A-54L illustrate examples of visual effects implemented by theexample displays of FIGS. 50-53.

FIG. 55 illustrates an example showing content detection and applicationof visual effects.

FIG. 56 illustrates an example method for implementing a display.

FIG. 57 illustrates an example method for operation of a display.

FIG. 58 illustrates an example of a display device.

FIG. 59 illustrates an exploded view of an example parallaximplementation of the display device of FIG. 58.

FIGS. 60A-60C illustrate example views of the parallax configuration ofthe display of FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 illustrates an example of a volumetric implementation of thedisplay device of FIG. 58.

FIG. 62 illustrates another example of a color filter configuration.

FIG. 63 illustrates another example of a color filter configuration.

FIG. 64 illustrates another example display device.

FIG. 65 illustrates an example method for implementing a display device.

FIG. 66 illustrates an example method for operation of a display device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclosure concludes with claims defining novel features, itis believed that the various features described herein will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the description in conjunction withthe drawings. The process(es), machine(s), manufacture(s) and anyvariations thereof described within this disclosure are provided forpurposes of illustration. Any specific structural and functional detailsdescribed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basisfor the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled inthe art to variously employ the features described in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedwithin this disclosure are not intended to be limiting, but rather toprovide an understandable description of the features described.

FIG. 1 illustrates example display device 100 with display 110 showingan image of a submarine. As an example and not by way of limitation,display 110 in FIG. 1 may be showing a movie in color withhigh-definition video at a frame rate of 30 frames per second (FPS). Inparticular embodiments, display device 100 may be configured to operateas an e-book reader, global positioning system (GPS) device, camera,personal digital assistant (PDA), computer monitor, television, videoscreen, conference-room display, large-format display (e.g., informationsign or billboard), handheld electronic device, mobile device (e.g.,cellular telephone or smartphone), tablet device, wearable device (e.g.,smartwatch), head-mountable display (e.g., virtual reality headset,augmented reality headset, or the like), electronic window (e.g., awindow having electronically controlled opacity or graphics), electronicdisplay system, other suitable electronic device, or any suitablecombination thereof. In particular embodiments, display device 100 mayinclude electronic visual display 110, which may be referred to as adisplay screen or as display 110. In particular embodiments, displaydevice 100 may include a power source (e.g., a battery), a wirelessdevice for sending or receiving information using a wirelesscommunication protocol (e.g., BLUETOOTH, WI-FI, or cellular), aprocessor, a computer system, a touch sensor, a display controller forcontrolling display 110, or any other suitable device or component. Asan example and not by way of limitation, display device 100 may includedisplay 110 and a touch sensor that allows a user to interact with whatis displayed on display 110 using a stylus or the user's finger. Inparticular embodiments, display device 100 may include a device body,such as for example an enclosure, chassis, or case that holds orcontains one or more components or parts of display device 100. As anexample and not by way of limitation, display 110 may include a frontand rear display (as described below), and the front and rear displays(as well as other devices) may each be coupled (e.g., mechanicallyaffixed, connected, or attached, such as for example with epoxy or withone or more mechanical fasteners) to a device body of display device100.

In particular embodiments, display 110 may include any suitable type ofdisplay, such as for example, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) in any ofits phases (e.g., nematic (which can be used also as twisted nematic(TN), super twisted nematic (STN), etc.), Smectic A (SmA), Smectic B(SmB), Smectic C (SmC), or Cholesteric), light-emitting diode (LED)display, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, quantum dotdisplay (QD), polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) display,electrochromic display, electrophoretic display, electro-dispersivedisplay, or electrowetting display.

Examples of a liquid crystal (LC) nematic includes LC material includingcalamitic shaped (e.g., rod shaped) molecules that can be orientedone-dimensionally. For example, the calamitic molecules may self-alignto have long-range directional order with their long axes roughlyparallel. Applying an electrical field to the LC material can control ofthe molecular orientation. Additionally, the calamitic molecules mayhave weak or even lack positional order.

A liquid crystal display of a TN system is fabricated from a nematicliquid crystal, wherein the nematic LC molecules are precisely twisted(e.g., helix) in a first state so as to polarize light passing throughthe LC material. In an example, the TN LC has a 90 degree twistedstructure. In a second state, an applied electric field reconfigures thenematic LC molecules to align with the electric field. In thisconfiguration, the LC material does not change the polarization of lightpassed through the LC material.

A liquid crystal display of a STN system is similar to a TN system.However, the nematic LC molecules of the STN system are preciselytwisted from about 180 degrees to about 270 degrees.

Examples of a liquid crystal (LC) smectic include LC material that haspositional order along one direction thereby having defined layers. TheLC material can be liquid-like within the layers. SmA LC, for example,has molecules oriented along the layer normal. Applying an electricalfield to the LC material can control the molecular orientation. It willbe appreciated that there are different smectic phases, each having aposition and an orientation order.

Examples of nematic and smectic liquid crystals include biphenyls andanalogs, such as, but not limited to, one or more of the followingmaterials: Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number: 61204-01-1(4-(trans-4-Amylcyclohexyl)benzonitrile); CAS Number: 68065-81-6(4′-(trans-4-Amylcyclohexyl)biphenyl-4-carbonitrile); CAS Number:52709-87-2 (4-Butoxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl); CAS Number: 52709-83-8(4-Butyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl); CAS Number: 61204-00-0(4-(trans-4-Butylcyclohexyl)benzonitrile); CAS Number: 82832-58-4(trans,trans-4′-Butyl-4-(3,4-difluorophenyl)bicyclohexyl); CAS Number:40817-08-1 (4-Cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl); CAS Number: 52364-71-3(4-Cyano-4′-pentyloxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 52364-72-4(4-Cyano-4′-heptyloxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 52364-73-5(4-Cyano-4′-n-octyloxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 54211-46-0(4-Cyano-4″-pentyl-p-terphenyl); CAS Number: 52709-86-1(4-Cyano-4′-propoxy-1,1′-biphenyl; CAS Number: 63799-11-1((S)-4-Cyano-4′-(2-methylbutyl)biphenyl)); CAS Number: 58743-78-5(4-Cyano-4′-ethoxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 41424-11-7(4′-Cyano-4-hexyloxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 52709-84-9(4-Cyano-4′-n-octylbiphenyl); CAS Number: 57125-49-2(4-Cyano-4′-dodecylbiphenyl); CAS Number: 52709-85-0(4-Cyano-4′-nonylbiphenyl); CAS Number: 70247-25-5(4′-Cyano-4-decyloxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 57125-50-5(4′-Cyano-4-dodecyloxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 54296-25-2(4-Cyano-4″-propyl-p-terphenyl); CAS Number: 58932-13-1(4′-Cyano-4-nonyloxybiphenyl); CAS Number: 134412-17-2(3,4-Difluoro-4′-(trans-4-pentylcyclohexyl)biphenyl); CAS Number:85312-59-0 (3,4-Difluoro-4′-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)biphenyl); CASNumber: 82832-57-3(trans,trans-4-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-4′-propylbicyclohexyl); CAS Number:118164-51-5 (trans,trans-4-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)-4′-pentylbicyclohexyl);CAS Number: 134412-18-3(3,4-Difluoro-4′-(trans-4-ethylcyclohexyl)biphenyl); CAS Number:1373116-00-7(2,3-Difluoro-4-[(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)methoxy]anisole); CAS Number:139215-80-8(trans,trans-4′-Ethyl-4-(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)bicyclohexyl); CASNumber: 123560-48-5(trans,trans-4-(4-Ethoxy-2,3-difluorophenyl)-4′-propylbicyclohexyl); CASNumber: 189750-98-9(4-Ethoxy-2,3-difluoro-4′-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)biphenyl); CASNumber: 84540-37-4 (4-Ethyl-4′-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)biphenyl); CASNumber: 135734-59-7(trans,trans-4′-Ethyl-4-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)bicyclohexyl); CASNumber: 95759-51-6 (2′-Fluoro-4-pentyl-4″-propyl-1,1′:4′,1″-terphenyl);CAS Number: 41122-71-8 (4-Cyano-4′-heptylbiphenyl); CAS Number:61203-99-4 (4-(trans-4-Propylcyclohexyl)benzonitrile); CAS Number:154102-21-3 ((R)-1-Phenyl-1,2-ethanediylBis[4-(trans-4-pentylcyclohexyl)benzoate]); CAS Number: 131819-23-3(trans,trans-4′-Propyl-4-(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)bicyclohexyl); CASNumber: 137644-54-3(trans,trans-4′-Pentyl-4-(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)bicyclohexyl); CASNumber: 96184-40-6 (4-[trans-4-[(E)-1-Propenyl]cyclohexyl]benzonitrile);CAS Number: 132123-39-8(3,4,5-Trifluoro-4′-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)biphenyl); CAS Number:173837-35-9 (2%3,4,5-Tetrafluoro-4′-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)biphenyl);and CAS Number: 137529-41-0(trans,trans-3,4,5-Trifluoro-4′-(4′-propylbicyclohexyl-4-yl)biphenyl).

Further examples of nematic and smectic liquid crystals includecarbonates, such as, but not limited to, one or more of the followingmaterials: CAS Number: 33926-46-4 (Amyl4-(4-Ethoxyphenoxycarbonyl)phenyl Carbonate); and CAS Number: 33926-25-9(4-(4-Ethoxyphenoxycarbonyl)phenyl Ethyl Carbonate).

Further examples of nematic and smectic liquid crystals include phenylesters, such as, but not limited to, one or more of the followingmaterials: CAS Number: 62716-65-8 (4-Ethoxyphenyl 4-Butylbenzoate); CASNumber: 38454-28-3 (4-(Hexyloxy)phenyl 4-Butylbenzoate); CAS Number:42815-59-8 (4-n-Octyloxyphenyl 4-Butylbenzoate [Liquid Crystal]); CASNumber: 114482-57-4 (4-Cyanophenyl 4-(3-Butenyloxy)benzoate); CASNumber: 38690-76-5 (4-Cyanophenyl 4-Heptylbenzoate M2106 4-Methoxyphenyl4-(3-Butenyloxy)benzoate); CAS Number: 133676-09-2 ((R)-2-Octyl4-[4-(Hexyloxy)benzoyloxy]benzoate); CAS Number: 87321-20-8 ((S)-2-Octyl4-[4-(Hexyl oxy)benzoyl oxy]benzoate); CAS Number: 51128-24-6(4-Butoxyphenyl 4-Pentylbenzoate); CAS Number: 50802-52-3(4-Hexyloxyphenyl 4-Pentylbenzoate); CAS Number: 50649-64-4(4-n-Octyloxyphenyl 4-Pentylbenzoate); and CAS Number: 2512-56-3(4-Octylphenyl Salicylate).

Further examples of nematic and smectic liquid crystals include schiffbases, such as, but not limited to, one or more of the followingmaterials: CAS Number: 30633-94-4(N-(4-Methoxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline); CAS Number:36405-17-1 (4′-Butoxybenzylidene-4-cyanoaniline); CAS Number: 37075-25-5(4′-(Amyloxy)benzylidene-4-cyanoaniline); CAS Number: 16833-17-3 (Butyl4-[(4-Methoxybenzylidene)amino]cinnamate); CAS Number: 17224-18-9(N-(4-Butoxybenzylidene)-4-acetylaniline); CAS Number: 17696-60-5(Terephthalbis(p-phenetidine)); CAS Number: 55873-21-7(4′-Cyanobenzylidene-4-butoxyaniline); CAS Number: 34128-02-4(4′-Cyanobenzylidene-4-ethoxyaniline); CAS Number: 24742-30-1(4′-Ethoxybenzylidene-4-cyanoaniline); CAS Number: 17224-17-8(N-(4-Ethoxybenzylidene)-4-acetylaniline); CAS Number: 29743-08-6(4′-Ethoxybenzylidene-4-butylaniline); CAS Number: 35280-78-5(4′-Hexyloxybenzylidene-4-cyanoaniline); CAS Number: 26227-73-6(N-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline); CAS Number: 10484-13-6(N-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-4-acetoxyaniline); CAS Number: 836-41-9(N-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)aniline); CAS Number: 6421-30-3 (Ethyl4-[(4-Methoxybenzylidene)amino]cinnamate); CAS Number: 322413-12-7(4-[(Methoxybenzylidene)amino]stilbene); and CAS Number: 13036-19-6(4-[(4-Methoxybenzylidene)amino]benzonitrile).

Further examples of nematic and smectic liquid crystals includeazoxybenzenes, such as, but not limited to, one or more of the followingmaterials: CAS Number: 1562-94-3 (4,4′-Azoxydianisole); CAS Number:4792-83-0 (4,4′-Azoxydiphenetole); CAS Number: 6421-04-1 (DiethylAzoxybenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylate); CAS Number: 2312-14-3(4,4′-Didodecyloxyazoxybenzene); CAS Number: 2587-42-0(4,4′-Bis(hexyloxy)azoxybenzene); CAS Number: 19482-05-4(4,4′-Diamyloxyazoxybenzene); CAS Number: 23315-55-1(4,4′-Dipropoxyazoxybenzene); CAS Number: 23315-55-1(4,4′-Dibutoxyazoxybenzene); CAS Number: 25729-12-8(4,4′-Di-n-octyloxyazoxybenzene); and CAS Number: 25729-13-9(4,4′-Dinonyloxyazoxybenzene).

Further examples of nematic and smectic liquid crystals include otherchemical groups, such as, but not limited to, the following materials:Liquid Crystal, TK-LQ 2040 Electric effect type, Mesomorphic range:20-40° C. [Nematic Liquid Crystal] from TCI AMERICA (Portland, Oreg.) asProduct Number T0697; and Liquid Crystal, TK-LQ 3858 Electric effecttype, Mesomorphic range: 38-58° C. [Nematic Liquid Crystal] from TCIAMERICA (Portland, Oreg.) as Product Number T0699.

Examples of cholesteric liquid crystals include cholesteryl compounds,such as, but not limited to, the following materials: CAS Number:604-35-3 (Cholesterol Acetate); CAS Number: 604-32-0 (CholesterolBenzoate); CAS Number: 604-33-1 Cholesterol Linoleate; CAS Number:1182-42-9 (Cholesterol n-Octanoate); CAS Number: 303-43-5 (CholesterolOleate); CAS Number: 1183-04-6 (Cholesterol Decanoate); CAS Number:1908-11-8 (Cholesterol Laurate); CAS Number: 4351-55-7 (CholesterolFormate); CAS Number: 1510-21-0 (Cholesterol Hydrogen Succinate); CASNumber: 633-31-8 (Cholesterol Propionate); CAS Number: 6732-01-0(Cholesterol Hydrogen Phthalate); CAS Number: 32832-01-2 (Cholesterol2,4-Dichlorobenzoate); and CAS Number: 1182-66-7 (CholesterolPelargonate).

Examples of cholesteric liquid crystals include cholesteryl carbonates,such as, but not limited to, the following materials: CAS Number:15455-83-1 (Cholesterol Nonyl Carbonate); CAS Number: 15455-81-9(Cholesterol Heptyl Carbonate); CAS Number: 17110-51-9 (CholesterolOleyl Carbonate); CAS Number: 23836-43-3 (Cholesterol Ethyl Carbonate);CAS Number: 78916-25-3 (Cholesterol Isopropyl Carbonate); CAS Number:41371-14-6 (Cholesterol Butyl Carbonate); CAS Number: 15455-79-5(Cholesterol Amyl Carbonate); CAS Number: 15455-82-0 (Cholesteroln-Octyl Carbonate); and CAS Number: 15455-80-8 (Cholesterol HexylCarbonate).

Further examples of cholesteric liquid crystals include discotic liquidcrystals, such as, but not limited to, the following materials: CASNumber: 70351-86-9 (2,3,6,7,10,11-Hexakis(hexyloxy)triphenylene); andCAS Number: 70351-87-0(2,3,6,7,10,11-Hexakis[(n-octyl)oxy]triphenylene).

In particular embodiments, display 110 may include any suitablecombination of two or more suitable types of displays. As an example andnot by way of limitation, display 110 may include an LCD, OLED or QDdisplay combined with an electrophoretic, electrowetting, or LC SmAdisplay. In particular embodiments, display 110 may include an emissivedisplay, where an emissive display includes emissive pixels that areconfigured to emit or modulate visible light. This disclosurecontemplates any suitable type of emissive displays, such as forexample, LCDs, LED displays, or OLED displays. In particularembodiments, display 110 may include a non-emissive display, where anon-emissive display includes non-emissive pixels that may be configuredto absorb, transmit, or reflect ambient visible light. This disclosurecontemplates any suitable type of non-emissive displays, such as forexample, PDLC displays, LC SmA displays, electrochromic displays,electrophoretic displays, electro-dispersive displays, or electrowettingdisplays. In particular embodiments, a non-emissive display may includenon-emissive pixels that may be configured to be substantiallytransparent (e.g., the pixels may transmit greater than 70%, 80%, 90%,95%, or any suitable percentage of light incident on the display). Adisplay with pixels that may be configured to be substantiallytransparent may be referred to as a display with high transparency or ahigh-transparency display. In particular embodiments, ambient light mayrefer to light originating from one or more sources located outside ofdisplay device 100, such as for example room light or sunlight. Inparticular embodiments, visible light (or, light) may refer to lightthat is visible to a human eye, such as for example light with awavelength in the range of approximately 400 to 750 nanometers. Althoughthis disclosure describes and illustrates particular displays havingparticular display types, this disclosure contemplates any suitabledisplays having any suitable display types.

In particular embodiments, display 110 may be configured to display anysuitable information or media content, such as for example, digitalimages, video (e.g., a movie or a live video chat), websites, text(e.g., an e-book or a text message), or applications (e.g., a videogame), or any suitable combination of media content. In particularembodiments, display 110 may display information in color, black andwhite, or a combination of color and black and white. In particularembodiments, display 110 may display information that changes frequently(e.g., a video with a frame rate of 30 or 60 FPS) or may displaysemi-static information that changes relatively infrequently (e.g., textor a digital image that may be updated approximately once per hour, onceper minute, once per second, or any suitable update interval). As anexample and not by way of limitation, one or more portions of display110 may be configured to display a video in color, and one or more otherportions of display 110 may be configured to display semi-staticinformation in black and white (e.g., a clock that is updated once persecond or once per minute). Although this disclosure describes andillustrates particular displays configured to display particularinformation in a particular manner, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable displays configured to display any suitable information in anysuitable manner.

FIG. 2 illustrates the example display device 100 of FIG. 1 with display110 presenting information in a semi-static mode. In particularembodiments, display 110 may be configured to have two modes ofoperation, a dynamic (or, emissive) mode and a semi-static (or,non-emissive) mode. In the example of FIG. 1, display 110 may beoperating in a dynamic mode (e.g., showing a video), and in the exampleof FIG. 2, display 110 may be operating in a semi-static mode displayingthe time, date, weather, a monthly planner, and a map. In FIG. 2, theinformation displayed in semi-static mode may be updated at relativelylong intervals (e.g., every 1, 10, or 60 seconds).

When operating in a dynamic mode (as illustrated in FIG. 1), display 110may have one or more of the following attributes: display 110 maydisplay content (e.g., text, images, or video) in bright or vivid color,with high resolution, or at a high frame rate (e.g., a frame rategreater than or equal to 20 FPS); or display 110 may operate in anemissive mode where display device 100 or display 110 includes a lightsource or illumination source. Operating in an emissive mode may allowdisplay 110 to display information without need for an external sourceof light (e.g., display 110 may be viewable in a darkened room). For anLCD, the light source may be a frontlight or backlight that illuminatesthe LCD which then modulates the light source to generate (or emit) animage. For an OLED display, the pixels of the OLED display may eachproduce light (e.g., from red, green, and blue subpixels) that resultsin an emitted image. In particular embodiments, when operating in adynamic mode, display 110 may display content in color, black and white,or both color and black and white.

When operating in a semi-static mode (as illustrated in FIG. 2), display110 may have one or more of the following attributes: display 110 maydisplay text or images in color or black and white; display 110 mayoperate in a non-emissive mode; display 110 may appear reflective;display 110 may have a relatively low update rate (e.g., a frame rate orupdate rate less than 0.1, 1, or 10 FPS); or display 110 may consumelittle or no power. As an example and not by way of limitation, display110 operating in a dynamic mode may consume approximately 1-50 watts ofpower (depending, at least in part, on the type and size of display110), while, when operating in a semi-static mode, display 110 mayconsume less than 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 milliwatts of power. As anotherexample and not by way of limitation, display 110 operating in asemi-static mode may only consume power when updating the content beingdisplayed and may consume no power or negligible power (e.g., less than10 μW) while displaying static, unchanging content. Display 110operating in a non-emissive mode may refer to the use of externalambient light (e.g., room light or sunlight) to provide illumination fordisplay 110 without using an internal light source that is included indisplay device 100 or display 110. As an example and not by way oflimitation, display 110 may include an electro-dispersive orelectrowetting display that uses ambient light as an illuminationsource. In particular embodiments, display 110 operating in anon-emissive mode may refer to information being displayed withnon-emissive pixels. In particular embodiments, a non-emissive pixel mayrefer to a pixel that absorbs, transmits, or reflects light. Inparticular embodiments, a non-emissive pixel may refer to a pixel thatdoes not emit visible light or a pixel that does not modulate an amount(e.g., an intensity) of light or an amount of a particular color ofvisible light.

In particular embodiments, display device 100 may be configured as aconference-room display or information sign, and when operating in asemi-static mode, display 110 may display a clock, weather information,a meeting calendar, artwork, a poster, meeting notes, or a company logo,or any other suitable information or suitable combination ofinformation. In particular embodiments, display device 100 may beconfigured as a personal display device (e.g., a television, tablet, orsmartphone), and when operating in a semi-static mode, display 110 maydisplay personalized content, such as for example, favorite TV showreminders, family photo album, customized widget tiles, headline news,stock prices, social-network feeds, daily coupons, favorite sportsscores, a clock, weather information, or traffic conditions, or anyother suitable information or suitable combination of information. As anexample and not by way of limitation, while a person is getting readyfor work in the morning, their television or smartphone may display (ina semi-static mode) the time, the weather, or traffic conditions relatedto the person's commute. In particular embodiments, display device 100may include a touch sensor, and display 110 may display (in asemi-static mode) a bookshelf or a white board that a user can interactwith through the touch sensor. In particular embodiments, a user may beable to select a particular operating mode for display 110, or display110 may automatically switch between dynamic and semi-static modes. Asan example and not by way of limitation, when display device 100 goesinto a sleep state, display 110 may automatically switch to operating ina low-power, semi-static mode. In particular embodiments, when operatingin a semi-static mode, display 110 may be reflective and may act as amirror. As an example and not by way of limitation, one or more surfacesor layers in display 110 may include a reflector or a surface with areflective coating, and when display 110 is in a semi-static mode,display 110 may act as a mirror.

In particular embodiments, display 110 may include a combination of twoor more types of displays oriented substantially parallel to one anotherwith one display located behind the other display. As examples and notby way of limitation, display 110 may include an LCD located behind aPDLC display, an OLED display located behind an electrochromic display,an LCD located behind an electrowetting display, or an LCD behind a SmAdisplay. In particular embodiments, display 110 may include twodifferent types of displays, and display 110 may be referred to as adual-mode display or a dual display. In particular embodiments,dual-mode display 110 may include a dynamic (or, emissive) display and asemi-static (or, non-emissive) display. As an example and not by way oflimitation, display 110 may include a dynamic color display configuredto show videos in an emissive mode and at a high frame rate (e.g., 24,25, 30, 60, 120, or 240 FPS, or any other suitable frame rate), asillustrated in FIG. 1. Display 110 may also include a semi-staticdisplay configured to show information in black and white or color in alow-power, non-emissive mode with relatively low frame rate or updaterate (e.g., 0.1, 1, or 10 FPS), as illustrated in FIG. 2. For such anexample dual-mode display 110, the dynamic display may be located infront of or behind the semi-static display. As an example and not by wayof limitation, the dynamic display may be located behind the semi-staticdisplay, and when the dynamic display is active, the semi-static displaymay be configured to be substantially transparent so that the dynamicdisplay is viewable. Additionally, when display 110 is operating in asemi-static mode, the semi-static display may display information (e.g.,text or images), and the dynamic display may be inactive or powered off.In particular embodiments, a dynamic display may appear white,reflective, dark or black (e.g., optically absorbing), or substantiallytransparent when the dynamic display is inactive or powered off. Inparticular embodiments, a display that is inactive or powered off mayrefer to a display that is receiving little or no electrical power(e.g., from a display controller), and in an inactive or powered-offstate, a display may consume little (e.g., less than 10 μW) or noelectrical power. In particular embodiments, a dynamic display may bereferred to as an emissive display, and a semi-static display may bereferred to as a non-emissive display. Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates particular combinations of particular displaytypes, this disclosure contemplates any suitable combinations of anysuitable display types.

In particular embodiments, dual-mode display 110 may include a singletype of display that has two or more operating modes (e.g., a dynamicdisplay mode and a low-power, semi-static display mode). As an exampleand not by way of limitation, display 110 may include an LCD that, in adynamic mode of operation, operates as an emissive display thatmodulates light from a backlight or frontlight. In a semi-static mode ofoperation, display 110 may operate as a low-power, non-emissive displaythat uses ambient light (e.g., room light or sunlight) to provideillumination for the LCD (with the backlight or frontlight turned off).

FIGS. 3 and 4 each illustrate example display device 100 with display110 having different regions configured to operate in different displaymodes. In particular embodiments and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,dual-mode display 110 may operate in a hybrid-display mode, wheredisplay 110 includes multiple portions, areas, or regions, and eachportion of display 110 is configured to operate in a dynamic orsemi-static mode. In particular embodiments, one or more dynamicportions 120 of display 110 may be configured to operate in a dynamicmode (e.g., displaying an image or video using light generated bydisplay device 100 or display 110), and one or more semi-static portions130 of display 110 may be configured to operate in a semi-static mode(e.g., displaying text or an image in a non-emissive mode with a lowupdate rate). As an example and not by way of limitation, a dynamicportion 120 of display 110 may display an image or video in highresolution or with vivid or bright color, and a semi-static portion 130of display 110 may display information in black and white with arelatively low update rate (e.g., text, a game board, or a clock thatmay be updated approximately once per second or once per minute). Thesemi-static portions 130 may be illuminated using an external lightsource, such as for example, ambient room light. In particularembodiments, dual-mode display 110 may include a dynamic display fordisplaying dynamic portions 120 and a semi-static display for displayingsemi-static portions 130. As an example and not by way of limitation,the dynamic display may be located behind the semi-static display, andthe portions of the semi-static display located directly in front ofdynamic portions 120 may be configured to be substantially transparentso that dynamic portions 120 are viewable through those portions of thesemi-static display. Additionally, areas of the dynamic display locatedoutside dynamic portions 120 may be inactive or turned off. As anotherexample and not by way of limitation, the semi-static display may belocated behind the dynamic display, and the portions of the dynamicdisplay located directly in front of semi-static portions 130 may beconfigured to be substantially transparent so that semi-static portions130 are viewable through those portions of the dynamic display.

In the example of FIG. 3, display device 100 is operating as an e-bookreader showing an image and a portion of text from the book Moby Dick.Display 110 has a dynamic portion 120 showing the image, which may bedisplayed in an emissive mode with vivid or bright color, and display110 has a semi-static portion 130 showing the text, which may bedisplayed in black and white and in a non-emissive mode (e.g.,illuminated with ambient light). In particular embodiments, the areas ofthe dynamic display outside of dynamic portion 120 may be inactive orturned off (e.g., pixels or backlight located outside of dynamic portion120 may be turned off). In the example of FIG. 4, display device 100 isoperating as a chess game where two players can play remotely. Display110 has a dynamic portion 120 that shows a live video of the otherplayer, which allows the two players to interact during a chess match.Display 110 also has two semi-static portions 130 showing the chessboard, a timer, and game controls. In particular embodiments, display110 may be reconfigurable so that dynamic portions 120 and semi-staticportions 130 may be moved or resized depending on the application thatis being run on display device 100. As an example and not by way oflimitation, display device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be thesame device configured to operate as an e-reader (in FIG. 3) and as aremote game player (in FIG. 4). In particular embodiments, display 110may have any suitable number of dynamic portions 120 and any suitablenumber of semi-static portions 130, and each dynamic portion 120 andsemi-static portion 130 may have any suitable size and any suitableshape. As an example and not by way of limitation, a dynamic portion 120or a semi-static portion 130 may cover approximately one-sixteenth,one-eighth, one-fourth, one-half, or all of display 110 and may have asquare, rectangular, or circular shape. As another example and not byway of limitation, a dynamic portion 120 or a semi-static portion 130may include 1, 2, 10, 100, or any suitable number of pixels. Althoughthis disclosure describes and illustrates particular displays havingparticular numbers of regions operating in particular display modes andhaving particular sizes and shapes, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable displays having any suitable numbers of regions operating inany suitable display modes and having any suitable sizes and shapes.

FIGS. 5 and 6 each illustrate an exploded view of a portion of exampledisplay 110. In particular embodiments, display 110 may include frontdisplay 150 and rear display 140, where rear display 140 is locatedbehind front display 150. As an example and not by way of limitation,front display 150 may be an electrowetting display, and rear display 140may be an OLED display located directly behind front display 150. Inparticular embodiments, front display 150 or rear display 140 may eachbe referred to as layers, and each layer of display 110 may include oneor more displays. As an example and not by way of limitation, a firstlayer of display 110 may include or may be referred to as front display150, and a second layer of display 110 may include or may be referred toas rear display 140. In particular embodiments, display 110 may includeother surfaces, layers, or devices not shown in FIG. 5 or 6, where theother surfaces, layers, or devices may be disposed between displays 140and 150, behind rear display 140, or in front of front display 150. Asan example and not by way of limitation, display 110 may include aprotective cover, a glare-reduction layer (e.g., a polarizer or a layerwith an antireflection coating), or a touch-sensor layer located infront of front display 150. As another example and not by way oflimitation, display 110 may include a backlight located behind reardisplay 140 or a frontlight located between displays 140 and 150.

In particular embodiments, display 110 of display device 100 may have anassociated viewing cone, e.g., an angular region or a solid angle withinwhich display 110 can be reasonably viewed. In particular embodiments,relative positions of surfaces, layers, or devices of display 110 may bereferenced with respect to a person viewing display 110 from within anassociated viewing cone. In the example of FIG. 5, a person viewingdisplay 110 from point 164 may be referred to as viewing display 110from within its viewing cone and may be referred to as viewing display110 from the front of display 110. With respect to point 164 in FIG. 5,front display 150 is disposed or located in front of rear display 140,and similarly, rear display 140 is disposed or located behind frontdisplay 150.

In particular embodiments, display 110 may form a sandwich-typestructure that includes displays 140 and 150 (as well as any additionalsurfaces, layers, or devices that are part of display 110) combinedtogether in a layered manner. As an example and not by way oflimitation, displays 140 and 150 may overlay one another with a smallair gap between facing surfaces (e.g., a front surface of display 140and a back surface of display 150) or with facing surfaces in contactwith, adhered to, or bonded to one another. In particular embodiments,displays 140 and 150 may be bonded together with a substantiallytransparent adhesive, such as for example, an optically clear adhesive.Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular displayshaving particular layers and particular structures, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable displays having any suitable layers and anysuitable structures. Moreover, while this disclosure describes specificexamples of a rear display behind a front display, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable number of displays located behind any suitablenumber of other displays. For example, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable number of displays located between displays 140 and 150 of FIG.5, and that those displays may have any suitable characteristics of thedisplays described herein. Thus, for example, a device may include threedisplays: a front display, a middle display behind the front display,and a rear display behind the middle display. Portions of the middledisplay may be viewable through the front display when correspondingportions of the front display are transparent, and portions of the reardisplay may be viewable through the middle and front displays whencorresponding portions of the middle and front displays are transparent.

In particular embodiments, front display 150 and rear display 140 mayeach include multiple pixels 160 arranged in a regular or repeatingpattern across a surface of display 140 or 150. This disclosurecontemplates any suitable type of pixel 160, such as for example,emissive pixels (e.g., an LCD or an OLED pixel) or non-emissive pixels(e.g., an electrophoretic or electrowetting pixel). Moreover, pixels 160may have any suitable size (e.g., a width or height of 25 μm, 50 μm, 100μm, 200 μm, or 500 μm) and any suitable shape (e.g., square,rectangular, or circular). In particular embodiments, each pixel 160 maybe an individually addressable or controllable element of display 140 or150 such that a state of a pixel 160 may be set (e.g., by a displaycontroller) independent of the states of other pixels 160. In particularembodiments, the addressability of each pixel 160 may be provided by oneor more control lines coupled from each pixel 160 to a displaycontroller. In particular embodiments, each pixel 160 may have its owndedicated control line, or each pixel 160 may share one or more controllines with other pixels 160. As an example and not by way of limitation,each pixel 160 may have one or more electrodes or electrical contactsconnected by a control line to a display controller, and one or morecorresponding voltages or currents provided by the display controller topixel 160 may set the state of pixel 160. In particular embodiments,pixel 160 may be a black-and-white pixel that may be set to variousstates, such as for example, black, white, partially transparent,transparent, reflective, or opaque. As an example and not by way oflimitation, a black-and-white pixel may be addressed using one controlsignal (e.g., the pixel is off, or black, when 0 V is applied to a pixelcontrol line, and the pixel appears white or transparent when 5 V isapplied). In particular embodiments, pixel 160 may be a color pixel thatmay include three or more subpixels (e.g., a red, green, and bluesubpixel), and pixel 160 may be set to various color states (e.g., red,yellow, orange, etc.) as well as black, white, partially transparent,transparent, reflective, or opaque. As an example and not by way oflimitation, a color pixel may have associated control lines that providecontrol signals to each of the corresponding subpixels of the colorpixel.

In particular embodiments, a display controller may be configured toindividually or separately address each pixel 160 of front display 150and rear display 140. As an example and not by way of limitation, adisplay controller may configure a particular pixel 160 of front display150 to be in an active or emissive state, and the display controller mayconfigure one or more corresponding pixels 160 of rear display 140 to bein an off or inactive state. In particular embodiments, pixels 160 maybe arranged along rows and columns, and an active-matrix scheme may beused to provide drive signals to each pixel 160 (or the subpixels ofeach pixel 160). In an active-matrix approach, each pixel 160 (or eachsubpixel) has an associated capacitor and transistor deposited on adisplay's substrate, where the capacitor holds charge (e.g., for onescreen refresh cycle) and the transistor supplies current to the pixel160. To activate a particular pixel 160, an appropriate row control lineis turned on while a drive signal is transmitted along a correspondingcolumn control line. In other particular embodiments, a passive-matrixscheme may be used to address pixels 160, where a passive matrixincludes a grid of columns and rows of conductive metal configured toselectively activate each pixel. To turn on a particular pixel 160, aparticular column is activated (e.g., charge is sent down that column),and a particular row is coupled to ground. The particular row and columnintersect at the designated pixel 160, and the pixel 160 is thenactivated. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particularpixels that are addressed in particular manners, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable pixels that are addressed in any suitablemanner.

In particular embodiments, front display 150 or rear display 140 mayeach be a color display or a black and white display, and front display150 or rear display 140 may each be an emissive or a non-emissivedisplay. As an example and not by way of limitation, front display 150may be a non-emissive black-and-white display, and rear display 140 maybe an emissive color display. In particular embodiments, a color displaymay use additive or subtractive color techniques to generate colorimages or text, and the color display may generate colors based on anysuitable color system, such as for example a red/green/blue orcyan/magenta/yellow/black color system. In particular embodiments, eachpixel of an emissive color display may have three or more subpixels,each subpixel configured to emit a particular color (e.g., red, green,or blue). In particular embodiments, each pixel of a non-emissive colordisplay may have three or more subpixels, each subpixel configured toabsorb, reflect, or scatter a particular color (e.g., red, green, orblue).

In particular embodiments, a size or dimension of pixels 160 of frontdisplay 150 may be an integral multiple of a corresponding size ordimension of pixels 160 of rear display 140, or vice versa. As anexample and not by way of limitation, pixels 160 of front display 150may be the same size as pixels 160 of rear display 140, or pixels 160 offront display 150 may be twice, three times, or any suitable integralmultiple of the size of pixels 160 of rear display 140. As anotherexample and not by way of limitation, pixels 160 of rear display 140 maybe twice, three times, or any suitable integral multiple of the size ofpixels 160 of front display 150. In the example of FIG. 5, pixels 160 offront display 150 are approximately the same size as pixels 160 of reardisplay 140. In the example of FIG. 6, pixels 160 of rear display 140are approximately four times the size (e.g., four times the area) ofpixels 160 of front display 150. Although this disclosure describes andillustrates particular pixels having particular sizes, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable pixels having any suitable sizes.

In particular embodiments, front display 150 and rear display 140 may besubstantially aligned with respect to one another. Front display 150 andrear display 140 may be combined together to form display 110 such thatone or more pixels 160 of front display 150 are superposed or overlayone or more pixels 160 of rear display 140. In FIGS. 5 and 6, pixels 160of front display 150 are aligned with respect to pixels 160 of reardisplay 140 such that portions of borders of rear-display pixels 160 aresituated directly under corresponding portions of borders offront-display pixels 160. In FIG. 5, pixels 160 of front display 150 andrear display 140 have approximately the same size and shape, and, asillustrated by the four dashed lines, pixels 160 are superposed so thateach pixel 160 of front display 150 is situated directly over acorresponding pixel 160 of rear display 140 and their borders aresubstantially aligned. In FIG. 6, front display 150 and rear display 140are aligned so that each pixel 160 of rear display 140 is situateddirectly under four corresponding pixels 160 of front display 150, andthe borders of each rear-display pixel 160 are situated directly underportions of borders of front-display pixels 160. Although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates particular displays havingparticular pixels aligned in particular manners, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable displays having any suitable pixels aligned inany suitable manner.

In particular embodiments, front display 150 may include one or moreportions, each portion being an area or a part of front display 150 thatincludes one or more front-display pixels 160. As an example and not byway of limitation, a front-display portion may include a single pixel160 or a group of multiple contiguous pixels 160 (e.g., 2, 4, 10, 100,1,000 or any suitable number of pixels 160). As another example and notby way of limitation, a front-display portion may include an area offront display 150, such as for example, an area occupying approximatelyone tenth, one quarter, one half, or substantially all the area of frontdisplay 150. In particular embodiments, a front-display portion may bereferred to as a multi-mode portion and may include one or morefront-display pixels that are each configured to operate in multiplemodes. As an example and not by way of limitation, a multi-mode portionof front display 150 may have one or more front-display pixels thatoperate in a first mode in which the pixels emit, modulate, absorb, orreflect visible light. Additionally, a multi-mode portion may have oneor more front-display pixels that operate in a second mode in which theone or more front-display pixels are substantially transparent tovisible light. In particular embodiments, rear display 140 may includeone or more rear-display portions located behind at least one multi-modeportion, each rear-display portion including pixels configured to emit,modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light. As an example and not by wayof limitation, in FIG. 5, pixel 160 of front display 150 may beconfigured to be substantially transparent, and the correspondingrear-display pixel 160 (located directly behind front-display pixel 160)may be configured to emit visible light. As another example and not byway of limitation, in FIG. 5, pixel 160 of front display 150 may beconfigured to absorb or reflect incident visible light (e.g., pixel 160may be configured as a semi-static portion 130), and the correspondingpixel 160 of rear display 140 may be inactive or turned off In theexample of FIG. 6, pixel 160 of rear display 140 may be configured toemit, modulate, absorb, or reflect visible light, and the foursuperposed pixels 160 of front display 150 may be configured to besubstantially transparent. In the example of FIG. 3, display 110 mayinclude an emissive rear display (e.g., an LCD) and a non-emissive frontdisplay (e.g., an electrowetting display). In portion 120 of FIG. 3, thepixels of the rear display may be configured to emit the imageillustrated in FIG. 3, while the pixels of the corresponding multi-modefront-display portion may be configured to be substantially transparent.In portion 130 of FIG. 3, the pixels of the front display may beconfigured to display the text as illustrated, while the pixels of thecorresponding rear-display portion may be configured to be inactive orturned off.

FIGS. 7 and 8 each illustrate an exploded view (on the left) of exampledisplay 110 and (on the right) a front view of example display device100 with example display 110. In FIGS. 7 and 8 (as well as other figuresdescribed below), an exploded view illustrates the various layers ordevices that make up example display 110, while a front view shows howexample display 110 may appear when viewed from the front of displaydevice 100. In particular embodiments, display 110 may include frontdisplay 150, rear display 140 (located behind front display 150), andbacklight 170 (located behind rear display 140). In the example of FIGS.7 and 8, front display 150 is a semi-static display, and rear display140 is an LCD configured to operate as a dynamic display. In FIG. 7,display 110 is operating in a dynamic mode, and in FIG. 8, display 110is operating in a semi-static mode. In FIG. 7, LCD 140 is showing animage of a tropical scene, and backlight 170 acts as an illuminationsource, providing light which is selectively modulated by LCD 140.

In particular embodiments, an LCD may include a layer of liquid-crystalmolecules positioned between two optical polarizers. As an example andnot by way of limitation, an LCD pixel may employ a twisted nematiceffect where a twisted nematic cell is positioned between two linearpolarizers with their polarization axes arranged at right angles to oneanother. Based on an applied electric field, the liquid-crystalmolecules of an LCD pixel may alter the polarization of lightpropagating through the pixel causing the light to be blocked, passed,or partially passed by one of the polarizers. In particular embodiments,LCD pixels may be arranged in a matrix (e.g., rows and columns), andindividual pixels may be addressed using passive-matrix or active-matrixschemes. In particular embodiments, each LCD pixel may include three ormore subpixels, each subpixel configured to produce a particular colorcomponent (e.g., red, green, or blue) by selectively modulating colorcomponents of a white-light illumination source. As an example and notby way of limitation, white light from a backlight may illuminate anLCD, and each subpixel of an LCD pixel may include a color filter thattransmits a particular color (e.g., red, green, or blue) and removes orfilters other color components (e.g., a red filter may transmit redlight and remove green and blue color components). The subpixels of anLCD pixel may each selectively modulate their associated colorcomponents, and the LCD pixel may emit a particular color. Themodulation of light by an LCD pixel may refer to an LCD pixel thatfilters or removes particular amounts of particular color componentsfrom an incident illumination source. As an example and not by way oflimitation, an LCD pixel may appear white when each of its subpixels(e.g., red, green, and blue subpixels) is configured to transmitsubstantially all incident light of its respective color component, andan LCD pixel may appear black when it filters or blocks substantiallyall color components of incident light. As another example and not byway of limitation, an LCD pixel may appear a particular color when itremoves or filters out other color components from an illuminationsource and lets the particular color component propagate through thepixel with little or no attenuation. An LCD pixel may appear blue whenits blue subpixel is configured to transmit substantially all bluelight, while its red and green subpixels are configured to blocksubstantially all light. Although this disclosure describes andillustrates particular liquid-crystal displays configured to operate inparticular manners, this disclosure contemplates any suitableliquid-crystal displays configured to operate in any suitable manner.

In particular embodiments, incident light may refer to light from one ormore sources that interacts with or impinges on a surface, such as forexample a surface of a display or a pixel. As an example and not by wayof limitation, incident light that impinges on a pixel may be partiallytransmitted through the pixel or partially reflected or scattered fromthe pixel. In particular embodiments, incident light may strike asurface at an angle that is approximately orthogonal to the surface, orincident light may strike a surface within a range of angles (e.g.,within 45 degrees of orthogonal to the surface). Sources of incidentlight may include external light sources (e.g., ambient light) orinternal light sources (e.g., light from a backlight or frontlight).

In particular embodiments, backlight 170 may be a substantially opaqueor non-transparent illumination layer located behind LCD 140. Inparticular embodiments, backlight 170 may use one or more LEDs orfluorescent lamps to produce illumination for LCD 140. Theseillumination sources may be located directly behind LCD 140 or locatedon a side or edge of backlight 170 and directed to LCD 140 by one ormore light guides, diffusers, or reflectors. In other particularembodiments, display 110 may include a frontlight (not illustrated inFIG. 7 or 8) instead of or in addition to backlight 170. As an exampleand not by way of limitation, a frontlight may be located betweendisplays 140 and 150 or in front of front display 150, and thefrontlight may provide illumination for LCD 140. In particularembodiments, a frontlight may include a substantially transparent layerthat allows light to pass through the frontlight. Additionally, afrontlight may include illumination sources (e.g., LEDs) located at oneor more edges, and the illumination sources may provide light to LCD 140through reflection from one or more surfaces within the frontlight.Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particularfrontlights and backlights having particular configurations, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable frontlights and backlights havingany suitable configurations.

FIG. 7 illustrates display 110 operating in a dynamic mode with LCD 140showing an image which may be a digital picture or part of a video andmay be displayed in vivid color using backlight 170 as an illuminationsource. When display 110 is operating in a dynamic mode, semi-staticdisplay 150 may be configured to be substantially transparent allowinglight from backlight 170 and LCD 140 to pass through semi-static display150 so the image from LCD 140 can be viewed. In particular embodiments,display 140 or 150 being substantially transparent may refer to display140 or 150 transmitting greater than or equal to 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or99% of incident visible light, or transmitting greater than or equal toany suitable percentage of incident visible light. As an example and notby way of limitation, when operating in a transparent mode, semi-staticdisplay 150 may transmit approximately 90% of visible light from LCD 140to a viewing cone of display 110. FIG. 8 illustrates example display 110of FIG. 7 operating in a semi-static mode with semi-static display 150showing the time, date, and weather. In particular embodiments, whendisplay 110 is operating in a semi-static mode, LCD 140 and backlight170 may be inactive or turned off, and LCD 140 or backlight 170 mayappear substantially transparent, substantially black (e.g., opticallyabsorbing), or substantially white (e.g., optically reflecting orscattering). As an example and not by way of limitation, when in an offstate, LCD 140 may be substantially transparent, and backlight 170 mayappear substantially black. As another example and not by way oflimitation, LCD 140 may have a partially reflective coating (e.g., on afront or rear surface) that causes LCD 140 to appear reflective or whitewhen backlight 170 and LCD are turned off.

In particular embodiments, semi-static display 150 illustrated in FIGS.7 and 8 may be an LC SmA display, and dual-mode display 110 illustratedin FIGS. 7 and 8 may include a combination of LCD 140 (with backlight170) and LC SmA display 150. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, LCD 140may be located behind SmA display 150. As described in further detailbelow, SmA display 150 may have pixels 160 configured to appearsubstantially transparent or appear substantially white or black (e.g.,no applied voltage). The SmA pixels can maintain their state(bi-stability) without applying an electric field or it might need anelectric field to maintain its state. Applying an electric field thestate can be changed from substantially transparent to substantiallywhite or black. In FIG. 7, where display 110 is operating in a dynamicmode, pixels of SmA display 150 are configured to appear substantiallytransparent so that LCD 140 may be viewed. In particular embodiments,and as illustrated in FIG. 8, when display 110 is operating in asemi-static mode, pixels of SmA display 150 may be individuallyaddressed (e.g., by a display controller) to change or maintain thestate (if needed) of each pixel to appear transparent or white. Thepixels that form the text and the sun/cloud image displayed by SmAdisplay 150 in FIG. 8 may be configured to be substantially transparent.Those transparent pixels may appear dark or black since they show ablack or optically absorbing surface of LCD 140 or backlight 170. Theother pixels of SmA display 150 may be configured to be in an off stateto form a substantially white background. In other particularembodiments, when display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode, pixelsof SmA display 150 are addressed so that each pixel appears transparentor black. The pixels that form the text and the sun/cloud image may beconfigured to be substantially black (or, optically absorbing), whilethe pixels that form white background pixels of SmA display 150 may beconfigured to be in an on state so they are substantially transparent.LCD 140 or backlight 170 may be configured to reflect or scatterincident light so that the corresponding transparent pixels of SmAdisplay 150 appear white.

In particular embodiments, semi-static display 150 illustrated in FIGS.7 and 8 may be a PDLC display, and dual-mode display 110 illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8 may include a combination of LCD 140 (with backlight 170)and PDLC display 150. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, LCD 140 may belocated behind PDLC display 150. As described in further detail below,PDLC display 150 may have pixels 160 configured to appear substantiallytransparent when a voltage is applied to pixel 160 and configured toappear substantially white or black when in an off state (e.g., noapplied voltage). In FIG. 7, where display 110 is operating in a dynamicmode, pixels of PDLC display 150 are configured to appear substantiallytransparent so that LCD 140 may be viewed. In particular embodiments,and as illustrated in FIG. 8, when display 110 is operating in asemi-static mode, pixels of PDLC display 150 may be individuallyaddressed (e.g., by a display controller) so that each pixel appearstransparent or white. The pixels that form the text and the sun/cloudimage displayed by PDLC display 150 in FIG. 8 may be configured to besubstantially transparent. Those transparent pixels may appear dark orblack since they show a black or optically absorbing surface of LCD 140or backlight 170. The other pixels of PDLC display 150 may be configuredto be in an off state to form a substantially white background. In otherparticular embodiments, when display 110 is operating in a semi-staticmode, pixels of PDLC display 150 are addressed so that each pixelappears transparent or black. The pixels that form the text and thesun/cloud image may be configured to be substantially black (or,optically absorbing), while the pixels that form white background pixelsof PDLC display 150 may be configured to be in an on state so they aresubstantially transparent. LCD 140 or backlight 170 may be configured toreflect or scatter incident light so that the corresponding transparentpixels of PDLC display 150 appear white.

In particular embodiments, semi-static display 150 illustrated in FIGS.7 and 8 may be an electrochromic display, and dual-mode display 110illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be a combination of LCD 140 (withbacklight 170) and electrochromic display 150. As illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8, LCD 140 may be located behind electrochromic display 150. Asdescribed in further detail below, electrochromic display 150 may havepixels 160 configured to appear substantially transparent orsubstantially blue, silver, black, or white, and the state of anelectrochromic pixel may be changed (e.g., from transparent to white) byapplying a burst of charge to the pixel's electrodes. In FIG. 7, wheredisplay 110 is operating in a dynamic mode, pixels of electrochromicdisplay 150 are configured to appear substantially transparent so thatLCD 140 may be viewed. In FIG. 8, where display 110 is operating in asemi-static mode, pixels of electrochromic display 150 are individuallyaddressed (e.g., by a display controller) so that each pixel appearstransparent or white. The pixels that form the text and the sun/cloudimage displayed by electrochromic display 150 in FIG. 8 may beconfigured to be substantially transparent. Those transparent pixels mayappear dark or black since they show a black or optically absorbingsurface of LCD 140 or backlight 170. The other pixels of electrochromicdisplay 150 may be configured to appear substantially white.

In particular embodiments, semi-static display 150 illustrated in FIGS.7 and 8 may be an electro-dispersive display, and dual-mode display 110illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 may include a combination of LCD 140 (withbacklight 170) and electro-dispersive display 150. As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, LCD 140 may be located behind electro-dispersive display150. As described in further detail below, pixels 160 ofelectro-dispersive display 150 may appear substantially transparent,opaque, black, or white based on the color, movement, or location ofsmall particles contained within pixels 160 of electro-dispersivedisplay 150. The movement or location of the small particles within apixel may be controlled by voltages applied to one or more electrodes ofthe pixel. In FIG. 7, where display 110 is operating in a dynamic mode,pixels of electro-dispersive display 150 are configured to appearsubstantially transparent so that LCD 140 may be viewed. In particularembodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, when display 110 is operatingin a semi-static mode, pixels of electro-dispersive display 150 may beindividually addressed (e.g., by a display controller) so that eachpixel appears transparent or white. The pixels that form the text andthe sun/cloud image displayed by electro-dispersive display 150 in FIG.8 may be configured to be substantially transparent. Those transparentpixels may appear dark or black since they show a black or opticallyabsorbing surface of LCD 140 or backlight 170. The other pixels ofelectro-dispersive display 150 may be configured to appear substantiallyopaque or white (e.g., the small particles contained within the pixelsmay be white or reflective, and those particles may be located so thatthe pixels appear white). In other particular embodiments, when display110 is operating in a semi-static mode, pixels that form the text andsun/cloud image displayed by electro-dispersive display 150 in FIG. 8may be configured to be substantially dark or black (e.g., the smallparticles contained within the pixels may be black, and those particlesmay be located so that the pixels appear black). Additionally, the otherpixels of electro-dispersive display 150 may be configured to besubstantially transparent, and these transparent pixels may appear whiteby showing a white or reflective surface of LCD 140 or backlight 170. Inparticular embodiments, LCD 140 or backlight 170 may have a reflectiveor a partially reflective front coating, or LCD 140 or backlight 170 maybe configured to appear white when inactive or turned off.

In particular embodiments, semi-static display 150 illustrated in FIGS.7 and 8 may be an electrowetting display, and dual-mode display 110illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 may include a combination of LCD 140 (withbacklight 170) and electrowetting display 150. As illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8, LCD 140 may be located behind electrowetting display 150. Asdescribed in further detail below, electrowetting display 150 may havepixels 160 that each contains an electrowetting fluid that can becontrolled to make the pixels 160 appear substantially transparent,opaque, black, or white. Based on one or more voltages applied toelectrodes of an electrowetting pixel, the electrowetting fluidcontained within the pixel can be moved to change the appearance of thepixel. In FIG. 7, where display 110 is operating in a dynamic mode,pixels of electrowetting display 150 are configured to appearsubstantially transparent so that light from LCD 140 may pass throughelectrowetting display 150 and be viewed from front of display device100. In particular embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, whendisplay 110 is operating in a semi-static mode, pixels of electrowettingdisplay 150 may be individually addressed (e.g., by a displaycontroller) so that each pixel appears transparent or white. The pixelsthat form the text and the sun/cloud image displayed by electrowettingdisplay 150 in FIG. 8 may be configured to be substantially transparent.Those transparent pixels may appear dark or black since they show ablack or optically absorbing surface of LCD 140 or backlight 170. Theother pixels of electrowetting display 150 may be configured to appearsubstantially opaque or white (e.g., the electrowetting fluid may bewhite and may be located so the pixels appear white). In otherparticular embodiments, when display 110 is operating in a semi-staticmode, pixels that form the text and sun/cloud image displayed byelectro-dispersive display 150 in FIG. 8 may be configured to besubstantially dark or black (e.g., the electrowetting fluid may be blackor optically absorbing). Additionally, the other pixels ofelectro-dispersive display 150 may be configured to be substantiallytransparent, and these transparent pixels may appear white by showing awhite or reflective surface of LCD 140 or backlight 170.

FIGS. 9 and 10 each illustrate an exploded view (on the left) of anotherexample display 110 and (on the right) a front view of example displaydevice 100 with the example display 110. In particular embodiments,display 110 may include front display 150 (which may be a semi-static,or non-emissive, display) and rear display 140 (which may be an emissivedisplay, such as for example, an LED, an OLED, or QD display). In theexample of FIG. 9, display 110 is operating in a dynamic mode andshowing an image of a tropical scene, and in the example of FIG. 10,display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode. In FIGS. 9 and 10, reardisplay 140 may be an OLED display in which each pixel includes one ormore films of organic compound that emit light in response to anelectric current. As an example and not by way of limitation, each OLEDpixel may include three or more subpixels, each subpixel including aparticular organic compound configured to emit a particular colorcomponent (e.g., red, green, or blue) when an electric current is passedthrough the subpixel. When the red, green, and blue subpixels of an OLEDpixel are each turned on by an equal amount, the pixel may appear white.When one or more subpixels of an OLED pixel are each turned on with aparticular amount of current, the pixel may appear a particular color(e.g., red, green, yellow, orange, etc.). Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates particular OLED displays configured to operatein particular manners, this disclosure contemplates any suitable OLEDdisplays configured to operate in any suitable manner.

FIG. 9 illustrates display 110 operating in a dynamic mode with OLEDdisplay 140 showing an image which may be a digital picture or part of avideo. When display 110 is operating in a dynamic mode, semi-staticdisplay 150 may be configured to be substantially transparent allowinglight from OLED display 140 to pass through semi-static display 150 sothe image from OLED display 140 can be viewed. FIG. 10 illustratesexample display 110 of FIG. 9 operating in a semi-static mode withsemi-static display 150 showing the time, date, and weather. Inparticular embodiments, when display 110 is operating in a semi-staticmode, OLED display 140 may be inactive or turned off, and OLED display140 may appear substantially transparent, substantially black (e.g.,optically absorbing), or substantially white (e.g., optically reflectingor scattering). As an example and not by way of limitation, when turnedoff, OLED display 140 may absorb most light that is incident on itsfront surface, and OLED display 140 may appear dark or black. As anotherexample and not by way of limitation, when turned off, OLED display 140may reflect or scatter most incident light, and OLED display 140 mayappear reflective or white.

In the example of FIGS. 9 and 10, front display 150 may be any suitablenon-emissive (or, semi-static) display, such as for example, a PDLCdisplay, an electrochromic display, an electro-dispersive display, LCDin any of its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA, etc.), or anelectrowetting display. In FIGS. 9 and 10, front display 150 may be aPDLC display, an electrochromic display, an electro-dispersive display,or an electrowetting display, and the pixels of front display 150 may beconfigured to be substantially transparent when OLED display 140 isoperating, allowing light emitted by OLED display 140 to pass throughfront display 150. In particular embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG.10, when display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode, pixels of frontdisplay 150 (which may be a PDLC display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, an electrowetting display or an LCD in anyof its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA, etc.) may be individuallyaddressed so that each pixel appears transparent or white. The pixelsthat form the text and the sun/cloud image displayed by front display150 in FIG. 10 may be configured to be substantially transparent. Thosetransparent pixels may appear dark or black by showing a black oroptically absorbing surface of OLED display 140. The other pixels offront display 150 may be configured to appear substantially opaque orwhite, forming the white background illustrated in FIG. 10. In otherparticular embodiments, when display 110 is operating in a semi-staticmode, pixels of front display 150 (which may a PDLC display, anelectrochromic display, an electro-dispersive display, an electrowettingdisplay, or an LCD in any of its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA,etc.) may be addressed so that each pixel appears transparent or black.The pixels that form the text and the sun/cloud image may be configuredto be substantially black (or, optically absorbing), while the pixelsthat form white background pixels of front display 150 may be configuredto be substantially transparent. OLED display 140 may be configured toreflect or scatter incident light so that the corresponding transparentpixels of front display 150 appear white.

FIGS. 11 and 12 each illustrate an exploded view (on the left) ofanother example display 110 and (on the right) a front view of exampledisplay device 100 with the example display 110. In the examples ofFIGS. 11 and 12, rear display 140 is an electrophoretic display. Inparticular embodiments, each pixel of electrophoretic display 140 mayinclude a volume filled with a liquid in which white and black particlesor capsules are suspended. The white and black particles may beelectrically controllable, and by moving the particles within a pixel'svolume, the pixel may be configured to appear white or black. As usedherein, a white object (e.g., a particle or a pixel) may refer to anobject that substantially reflects or scatters incident light or appearswhite, and a black object may refer to an object that substantiallyabsorbs incident light or appears dark. In particular embodiments, thetwo colors of electrophoretic particles may each have a differentaffinity for positive or negative charges. As an example and not by wayof limitation, the white particles may be attracted to positive chargesor a positive side of an electric field, while the black particles maybe attracted to negative charges or a negative side of an electricfield. By applying an electric field orthogonal to a viewing surface ofan electrophoretic pixel, either color of particles can be moved to thefront surface of the pixel, while the other color is hidden from view inthe back. As an example and not by way of limitation, a +5 V signalapplied to an electrophoretic pixel may draw the white particles towardthe front surface and cause the pixel to appear white. Similarly, a −5 Vsignal may draw the black particles toward the front surface of thepixel and cause the pixel to appear black.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, front display 150 is a transparent OLED display. Inparticular embodiments, a transparent OLED display may be an emissivedisplay that is also substantially transparent. In particularembodiments, a transparent OLED display may refer to an OLED displaythat includes substantially transparent components. As an example andnot by way of limitation, the cathode electrode of a transparent OLEDpixel may be made from a semitransparent metal, such as for example, amagnesium-silver alloy, and the anode electrode may be made from indiumtin oxide (ITO). As another example and not by way of limitation, atransparent OLED pixel may include transparent thin-film transistors(TFTs) that may be made with a thin layer of zinc-tin-oxide. FIG. 11illustrates display 110 operating in a dynamic (or, emissive) mode withtransparent OLED display 150 showing an image or part of a video. Whendisplay 110 operates in a dynamic mode, electrophoretic display 140 maybe configured to be substantially dark to provide a black background forthe transparent OLED display 150 and improve the contrast of display110. FIG. 12 illustrates display 110 operating in a semi-static mode.Transparent OLED display 150 is powered off and is substantiallytransparent, while the pixels of electrophoretic display 140 areconfigured to appear white or black to generate the text and imageillustrated in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 13 and 14 each illustrate an exploded view of another exampledisplay 110. In the example of FIG. 13, display 110 is operating in adynamic mode and showing an image of a tropical scene, and in theexample of FIG. 14, display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode. Inparticular embodiments, display 110 may include front display 150 (whichmay be a semi-static, or non-emissive display) and rear display 140(which may be an LCD). In the example of FIGS. 13 and 14, front display150 may be any suitable non-emissive (or, semi-static) display, such asfor example, a PDLC display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, an electrowetting display, or a LCD in anyof its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA, etc.). When display 110 isoperating in a dynamic mode, semi-static display 150 may be configuredto be substantially transparent allowing light from LCD 140 to passthrough semi-static display 150 so the image from LCD 140 can be viewed.

In particular embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 14, when display110 is operating in a semi-static mode, pixels of front display 150(which may be a PDLC display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, an electrowetting display, or an LCD in anyof its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA, etc.)) may be individuallyaddressed so that each pixel appears transparent or white. The pixelsthat form the text and the sun/cloud image displayed by front display150 in FIG. 14 may be configured to be substantially transparent. Thosetransparent pixels may appear dark or black by showing a black oroptically absorbing surface of LCD 140. The other pixels of frontdisplay 150 may be configured to appear substantially opaque or white,forming the white background illustrated in FIG. 14. In other particularembodiments, when display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode, pixelsof front display 150 (which may a PDLC display, an electrochromicdisplay, an electro-dispersive display, an electrowetting display, or aLCD in any of its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA, etc.) may beaddressed so that each pixel appears transparent or black. The pixelsthat form the text and the sun/cloud image may be configured to besubstantially black (or, optically absorbing), while the pixels thatform white background pixels of front display 150 may be configured tobe substantially transparent. LCD 140 or surface 180 may be configuredto reflect or scatter incident light so that the correspondingtransparent pixels of front display 150 appear white.

In particular embodiments, display 110 may include back layer 180located behind LCD 140, and back layer 180 may be a reflector or abacklight. As an example and not by way of limitation, back layer 180may be a reflector, such as for example, a reflective surface (e.g., asurface with a reflective metal or dielectric coating) or an opaquesurface configured to substantially scatter a substantial portion ofincident light and appear white. In particular embodiments, display 110may include semi-static display 150, LCD 140, and back layer 180, whereback layer 180 is configured as a reflector that provides illuminationfor LCD 140 by reflecting ambient light to pixels of LCD 140. The lightreflected by reflector 180 may be directed to pixels of LCD 140 whichmodulate the light from reflector 180 to generate images or text. Inparticular embodiments, display 110 may include frontlight 190configured to provide illumination for LCD 140, where frontlight 190includes a substantially transparent layer with illumination sourceslocated on one or more edges of frontlight 190. As an example and not byway of limitation, display 110 may include LCD 140, semi-static display150, reflector 180, and frontlight 190, where reflector 180 andfrontlight 190 together provide illumination for LCD 140. Reflector 180may provide illumination for LCD 140 by reflecting or scatteringincident ambient light or light from frontlight 190 to pixels of LCD140. If there is sufficient ambient light available to illuminate LCD140, then frontlight 190 may be turned off or may operate at a reducedsetting. If there is insufficient ambient light available to illuminateLCD 140 (e.g., in a darkened room), then frontlight 190 may be turned onto provide illumination, and the light from frontlight 190 may reflectoff of reflector 180 and then illuminate pixels of LCD 140. Inparticular embodiments, an amount of light provided by frontlight 190may be adjusted up or down based on an amount of ambient light present(e.g., frontlight may provide increased illumination as ambient lightdecreases). In particular embodiments, frontlight 190 may be used toprovide illumination for semi-static display 150 if there is not enoughambient light present to be scattered or reflected by semi-staticdisplay 150. As an example and not by way of limitation, in a darkenedroom, frontlight 190 may be turned on to illuminate semi-static display150.

In the example of FIGS. 13 and 14, back layer 180 may be a backlightconfigured to provide illumination for LCD 140. As an example and not byway of limitation, display 110 may include LCD 140, semi-static display150, backlight 180, and frontlight 190. In particular embodiments,illumination for LCD 140 may be provided primarily by backlight 180, andfrontlight 190 may be turned off when LCD 140 is operating. When display110 is operating in a semi-static mode, backlight 180 may be turned off,and frontlight 190 may be turned off or may be turned on to provideillumination for semi-static display 150.

FIGS. 15 and 16 each illustrate an exploded view of another exampledisplay 110. In the example of FIG. 15, display 110 is operating in adynamic mode and showing an image of a tropical scene, and in theexample of FIG. 16, display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode. Inparticular embodiments, display 110 may include front display 150 (whichmay be a semi-static, or non-emissive, display) and rear display 140(which may be an LED, OLED or QD display). In the example of FIGS. 15and 16, front display 150 may be any suitable non-emissive (or,semi-static) display, such as for example, a PDLC display, anelectrochromic display, an electro-dispersive display, an electrowettingdisplay, or an LCD in any of its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA,etc.). In FIGS. 15 and 16, rear display 140 may be an OLED display, andwhen display 110 is operating in a dynamic mode, semi-static display 150may be configured to be substantially transparent allowing light emittedby OLED display 140 to pass through semi-static display 150 so an imagefrom OLED display 140 can be viewed.

In particular embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 16, when display110 is operating in a semi-static mode, pixels of front display 150(which may be a PDLC display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, an electrowetting display, or an LCD in anyof its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, SmA, etc.)) may be individuallyaddressed so that each pixel appears transparent or white, and OLEDdisplay 140 may be turned off and configured to appear substantiallyblack. In other particular embodiments, when display 110 is operating ina semi-static mode, pixels of front display 150 may be addressed so thateach pixel appears transparent or black, and OLED display 140 may beturned off and configured to appear substantially white. In particularembodiments and as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, display 110 mayinclude OLED display 140, semi-static display 150, and frontlight 190.In the example of FIG. 16, display 110 may include frontlight 190 toprovide illumination for semi-static display 150 if there is not enoughambient light present to be scattered or reflected by semi-staticdisplay 150. When display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode, ifthere is sufficient ambient light available to illuminate semi-staticdisplay 150, then frontlight 190 may be turned off or may operate at areduced setting. If there is insufficient ambient light available toilluminate semi-static display 150, then frontlight 190 may be turned onto provide illumination for semi-static display 150. In particularembodiments, an amount of light provided by frontlight 190 tosemi-static display 150 may be adjusted up or down based on an amount ofambient light present.

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of example partially emissive display 200.In particular embodiments, partially emissive display 200 may includepartially emissive pixels 160, where each partially emissive pixel 160includes one or more substantially transparent regions and one or moreaddressable regions configured to modulate or emit visible light. In theexample of FIG. 17, a dashed line encompasses example partially emissivepixel 160, which includes a substantially transparent region (labeled“CLEAR”) and an addressable region that includes a red (“R”), green(“G”), and blue (“B”) subpixel. In particular embodiments, partiallyemissive display 200 may be a partially emissive LCD, and partiallyemissive LCD pixel 160 may include LCD subpixels, where each LCDsubpixel is configured to modulate a particular color component (e.g.,red, green, or blue). In other particular embodiments, partiallyemissive display 200 may be a partially emissive LED or OLED displaywith partially emissive LED or OLED pixels 160, respectively. Eachpartially emissive LED or OLED pixel 160 may include subpixels, eachsubpixel configured to emit a particular color component (e.g., red,green, or blue). In particular embodiments, transparent regions andaddressable regions may occupy any suitable fraction of an area ofpartially emissive pixel 160. As an example and not by way oflimitation, transparent regions may occupy ¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, or anysuitable fraction of the area of partially emissive pixel 160.Similarly, addressable regions may occupy ¼, ⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, or any suitablefraction of the area of partially emissive pixel 160. In the example ofFIG. 17, transparent regions and addressable regions each occupyapproximately one half of the area of partially emissive pixel 160. Inparticular embodiments, a partially emissive display may be referred toas a partial display, and a partially emissive LCD or OLED display maybe referred to as a partial LCD or a partial OLED display, respectively.Additionally, a partially emissive pixel may be referred to as a partialpixel, and a partially emissive LCD, OLED or QD pixel may be referred toas a partial LCD pixel or a partial OLED pixel, respectively.

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate example partially emissive pixels 160. Inparticular embodiments, partially emissive pixels 160 may have anysuitable shape, such as for example, square, rectangular, or circular.The example partially emissive pixels 160 illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18Ehave subpixels and transparent regions with various arrangements,shapes, and sizes. FIG. 18A illustrates partially emissive pixel 160similar to the partially emissive pixel 160 illustrated in FIG. 17. InFIG. 18A, partially emissive pixel 160 includes three adjacentrectangular subpixels (“R,” “G,” and “B”) and a transparent regionlocated below the three subpixels, the transparent region havingapproximately the same size as the three subpixels. In FIG. 18B,partially emissive pixel 160 includes three adjacent rectangularsubpixels and a transparent region located adjacent to the bluesubpixel, the transparent region having approximately the same size andshape as each of the subpixels. In FIG. 18C, partially emissive pixel160 is subdivided into four quadrants with three subpixels occupyingthree of the quadrants and the transparent region located in a fourthquadrant. In FIG. 18D, partially emissive pixel 160 has foursquare-shaped subpixels with the transparent region located in betweenand around the four subpixels. In FIG. 18E, partially emissive pixel 160has four circular subpixels with the transparent region located inbetween and around the four subpixels. Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates particular partially emissive pixels havingparticular subpixels and transparent regions with particulararrangements, shapes, and sizes, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable partially emissive pixels having any suitable subpixels andtransparent regions with any suitable arrangements, shapes, and sizes.

FIGS. 19-23 each illustrate an exploded view of example display 110. Theexample displays 110 in FIGS. 19-23 each include a partially emissivedisplay configured as a front display 150 or a rear display 140. Inparticular embodiments, a partially emissive display may function as anemissive display, and additionally, the transparent regions of apartially emissive display may allow a portion of ambient light or lightfrom a frontlight or backlight to be transmitted through a partiallyemissive display. In particular embodiments, ambient light (e.g., lightfrom one or more sources located outside of display 110) may passthrough transparent regions of a partially emissive display, and theambient light may be used to illuminate pixels of the partially emissivedisplay or pixels of another display (e.g., an electrophoretic display).

In particular embodiments, display 110 may include a partiallytransparent display configured as a front display 150 or a rear display140. Each pixel of a partially transparent display may have one or moresemi-static, addressable regions that may be configured to appear white,black, or transparent. Additionally, each pixel of a partiallytransparent display may have one or more substantially transparentregions that allow ambient light or light from a frontlight or backlightto pass through. As an example and not by way of limitation, a partiallytransparent electrophoretic display may function as a semi-staticdisplay with pixels that may be configured to appear white or black.Additionally, each pixel of a partially transparent electrophoreticdisplay may have one or more transparent regions (similar to thepartially emissive pixels described above) which may transmit a portionof ambient light or light from a frontlight or backlight. In particularembodiments, display 110 may include a partially emissive display and apartially transparent electrophoretic display, and pixels of the twodisplays may be aligned with respect to each other so their respectiveaddressable regions are substantially non-overlapping and theirrespective transparent regions are substantially non-overlapping. As anexample and not by way of limitation, a transparent region of apartially emissive pixel may transmit light that illuminates anelectrophoretic region of a partially transparent pixel, and similarly,a transparent region of a partially transparent pixel may transmit lightthat illuminates the subpixels of a partially emissive LCD pixel. Inparticular embodiments, a partially transparent electrophoretic displaymay be referred to as a partial electrophoretic display.

In particular embodiments, display 110 may include a segmented backlightwith regions configured to produce illumination light and other regionsconfigured to not produce light. In particular embodiments, a segmentedbacklight may be aligned with respect to a partial LCD so that thelight-producing regions of the segmented backlight are aligned toilluminate the subpixels of the partial LCD. As an example and not byway of limitation, a segmented backlight may produce light in strips,and each strip of light may be aligned to illuminate a correspondingstrip of subpixels of a partial LCD. Although this disclosure describesand illustrates particular displays that include particular combinationsof partially emissive displays, partially transparent displays, andsegmented backlights, this disclosure contemplates any suitable displaysthat include any suitable combinations of partially emissive displays,partially transparent displays, or segmented backlights.

The example display 110 in FIG. 19 includes partial LCD 150, layer 210,and layer 220. In the example of FIG. 19, layer 210 may be a reflector(e.g., a reflective surface configured to reflect incident light), andlayer 220 may be a frontlight. As an example and not by way oflimitation, a reflector may reflect approximately 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, orany suitable percentage of incident light. When display 110 in FIG. 19is operating in an emissive mode, frontlight 220 is turned on andilluminates reflector 210, and reflector 210 reflects the light fromfrontlight 190 to partial LCD 150, which modulates the light to emit animage, a video, or other content. In an emissive mode, ambient light(that is transmitted through transparent regions of display 150) mayalso be used to illuminate partial LCD 150. When display 110 isoperating in a semi-static mode, frontlight 220 is powered off, andambient light (e.g., room light or sunlight) passes through thetransparent regions of partial LCD 150. The ambient light passes throughfrontlight 220, which is substantially transparent, and reflects off ofreflector 210. The reflected light illuminates partial LCD 150, whichmodulates the light to produce text, an image, or other content. In anon-emissive mode, display 110 may require little electrical power sincefrontlight is powered off and partial LCD 150 may not requiresignificant power to operate.

In other particular embodiments, in FIG. 19, layer 210 may be abacklight, and layer 220 may be a transflector located between backlight210 and partial LCD 150. A transflector may refer to a layer thatpartially reflects and partially transmits incident light. As examplesand not by way of limitation, a transflector may include a glasssubstrate with a reflective coating covering portions of the substrate,a half-silvered mirror that is partially transmissive and partiallyreflective, or a wire-grid polarizer. In particular embodiments, atransflector may transmit or reflect any suitable fraction of incidentlight. As an example and not by way of limitation, transflector 220 mayreflect approximately 50% of incident light and may transmitapproximately 50% of incident light. In the example of FIG. 19, whendisplay 110 is operating in an emissive mode, backlight 210 may beturned on and may send light through transflector 220 to illuminatepartial LCD 150. In particular embodiments, the light from backlight 210may be reduced or turned off if there is sufficient ambient lightavailable to illuminate partial LCD 150. When display 110 is operatingin a semi-static mode, backlight 210 may be turned off, and transflector220 may illuminate partial LCD 150 by reflecting ambient light topartial LCD 150. Ambient light (e.g., light originating from outsidedisplay 110) may be transmitted into display 110 via transparent regionsof partial LCD 150.

In the example of FIG. 20, front display 150 is a partially emissiveLCD, and rear display 140 is a partially transparent electrophoreticdisplay with pixels configured to appear white or black. The exampledisplay 110 in FIG. 20 includes partial LCD 150, partial electrophoreticdisplay 140, and segmented backlight 170. In particular embodiments, thepixels of partial LCD 150 and partial electrophoretic display 140 may bethe same size, and the pixels may be aligned with respect to oneanother. The pixels may be aligned so that their borders are situateddirectly over or under one another and so that the transparent regionsof pixels of one display are superposed with the addressable regions ofpixels of the other display, and vice versa. When display 110 in FIG. 20is operating in an emissive mode, segmented backlight 170 is turned on,and the lighted strips of segmented backlight 170 produce light thatpropagates through transparent regions of partial electrophoreticdisplay 140 and illuminates the subpixels of partial LCD 150, whichmodulates the light to produce an image or other content. The darkerregions of segmented backlight 170 do not produce light. When display110 is operating in an emissive mode, the pixels of partialelectrophoretic display 140 may be configured to appear white or black.When display 110 is operating in a semi-static mode, segmented backlight170 and partial LCD 150 are powered off, and ambient light passesthrough the transparent regions of partial LCD 150 to illuminate theaddressable regions of the pixels of partial electrophoretic display140. Each pixel of partial electrophoretic display 140 may be configuredto appear white or black so that partial electrophoretic display 140produces text, an image, or other content.

In the example of FIG. 21, rear display 140 is a partially emissive LCD,and front display 150 is a partially transparent electrophoretic displaywith pixels configured to appear white or black. The example display 110in FIG. 21 includes partial LCD 140, partial electrophoretic display150, and segmented backlight 170. In particular embodiments, the pixelsof partial LCD 140 and partial electrophoretic display 150 may be thesame size, and the pixels (and their respective transparent regions andaddressable regions) may be aligned with respect to one another. Whendisplay 110 in FIG. 21 is operating in an emissive mode, segmentedbacklight 170 is turned on, and the lighted strips of segmentedbacklight 170 produce light that illuminates the subpixels of partialLCD 140. The subpixels modulate the light to produce an image or othercontent, which propagates through the transparent regions of partialelectrophoretic display 150. The darker regions of segmented backlight170 do not produce light. When display 110 is operating in an emissivemode, the pixels of partial electrophoretic display 150 may beconfigured to appear white or black. When display 110 is operating in asemi-static mode, segmented backlight 170 and partial LCD 150 arepowered off, and ambient light illuminates the addressable regions ofthe pixels of partial electrophoretic display 150. Ambient light thatpropagates through the transparent regions of partial electrophoreticdisplay 150 may be absorbed or reflected by the subpixels of partial LCD140.

In the example of FIG. 22, rear display 140 is a partially emissive OLEDdisplay, and front display 150 is a partially transparentelectrophoretic display. The example display 110 in FIG. 22 includespartial OLED display 140 and partial electrophoretic display 150. Inparticular embodiments, the pixels of partial OLED display 140 andpartial electrophoretic display 150 may be the same size, and the pixels(and their respective transparent and addressable regions) may bealigned with respect to one another. When display 110 in FIG. 22 isoperating in an emissive mode, the subpixels of partial OLED display 140may emit light that propagates through the transparent regions ofpartial electrophoretic display 150. When display 110 is operating in anemissive mode, the pixels of partial electrophoretic display 150 may beconfigured to appear white or black. When display 110 is operating in asemi-static mode, partial OLED display 140 may be powered off, andambient light illuminates the addressable regions of the pixels ofpartial electrophoretic display 150, which are each configured to appearblack or white. Ambient light that propagates through the transparentregions of partial electrophoretic display 150 may be absorbed,scattered, or reflected by the subpixels of partial OLED display 140.

In the example of FIG. 23, rear display 140 is an electrophoreticdisplay, and front display 150 is a partially transparent LCD 150. Theexample display 110 in FIG. 23 includes electrophoretic display 140,frontlight 190, and partial LCD 150. In particular embodiments,electrophoretic display 140 may be a partial electrophoretic display or(as illustrated in FIG. 23) may be an electrophoretic display withlittle or no transparent regions. In particular embodiments, the pixelsof electrophoretic display 140 and partial LCD 150 may be aligned withrespect to one another. When display 110 in FIG. 22 is operating in anemissive mode, backlight 190 may be turned on to illuminateelectrophoretic display 140, and electrophoretic display 140 may beconfigured so that its pixels are white so they scatter or reflect thelight from the backlight forward to partial LCD 150. The subpixels ofpartial LCD 150 modulate the incident light scattered by electrophoreticdisplay 140 to produce an image or other content. When display 110 isoperating in a semi-static mode, backlight 190 and partial LCD 150 maybe powered off. Electrophoretic display 140 is illuminated by ambientlight that is transmitted through the transparent regions of partial LCD150 and through frontlight 190. The pixels of electrophoretic display140 are configured to appear white or black to generate text or an imagethat propagates through frontlight 190 and the transparent regions ofpartial LCD 150.

In particular embodiments, a display screen may be incorporated into anappliance (e.g., in a door of a refrigerator) or part of an automobile(e.g., in a windshield or mirror of a car). As an example and not by wayof limitation, a display screen may be incorporated into an automobilewindshield to provide overlaid information over a portion of thewindshield. In one mode of operation, the display screen may besubstantially transparent, and in another mode of operation, the displayscreen pixels may be configured to display information that may beviewed by a driver or passenger. In particular embodiments, a displayscreen may include multiple pixels, where each pixel may be configuredto be substantially transparent to incident light or to be at leastpartially opaque or substantially opaque to incident light. As anexample and not by way of limitation, a semi-static display may includemultiple semi-static pixels, where the semi-static pixels may beconfigured to be substantially transparent or opaque. In particularembodiments, a display screen configured to operate in two or moremodes, where one of the modes includes pixels of the display screenappearing transparent, may be referred to as a display with hightransparency. In particular embodiments, when a pixel is in a mode inwhich it is substantially transparent to visible light, the pixel maynot: emit or generate visible light; modulate one or more frequencies(i.e., colors) of visible light; or both

In particular embodiments, a material or pixel that is at leastpartially opaque may refer to a material or pixel that is partiallytransparent to visible light and partially reflects, scatters, orabsorbs visible light. As an example and not by way of limitation, apixel that is partially opaque may appear partially transparent andpartially black or white. A material or pixel that is substantiallyopaque may be a material or pixel that reflects, scatters, or absorbssubstantially all incident visible light and transmits little or nolight. In particular embodiments, scattering or reflection of light froman opaque material may refer to a specular reflection, a diffusereflection (e.g., scattering incident light in many differentdirections), or a combination of specular and diffuse reflections. Asexamples and not by way of limitation, an opaque material that issubstantially absorbing may appear black, and an opaque material thatscatters or reflects substantially all incident light may appear white.

FIGS. 24A-24B each illustrate a side view of example polymer-dispersedliquid-crystal (PDLC) pixel 160. In particular embodiments, a PDLCdisplay may include multiple PDLC pixels 160 arranged to form a displayscreen, where each PDLC pixel 160 may be individually addressable (e.g.,using an active-matrix or a passive-matrix scheme). In the examples ofFIGS. 24A and 24B, PDLC pixel 160 includes substrates 300 (e.g., a thinsheet of transparent glass or plastic), electrodes 310, liquid-crystal(LC) droplets 320, and polymer 330. Electrodes 310 are substantiallytransparent and may be made of a thin film of transparent material, suchas for example ITO, which is deposited onto a surface of substrate 300.LC droplets 320 are suspended in a solidified polymer 330, where theconcentrations of LC droplets 320 and polymer 330 may be approximatelyequal. In particular embodiments, PDLC pixel 160 may be substantiallyopaque when little or no voltage is applied between electrodes 310(e.g., pixel 160 may appear white or black), and PDLC pixel 160 may besubstantially transparent when a voltage is applied between electrodes310. In FIG. 24A, when the two electrodes 310 are coupled together sothere is little or no voltage or electric field between the electrodes,incident light ray 340 is blocked by randomly oriented LC droplets 320that may scatter or absorb light ray 340. In this “off” state, PDLCpixel 160 is substantially opaque or non-transmissive and may appearwhite (e.g., by scattering most of the incident light) or black (e.g.,by absorbing most of the incident light). In FIG. 24B, when a voltage(e.g., 5 V) is applied between electrodes 310, the resulting electricfield causes LC droplets 320 to align so that incident light ray 340 istransmitted through PDLC pixel 160. In this “on” state, PDLC pixel 160may be at least partially transparent. In particular embodiments, theamount of transparency of PDLC pixel 160 may be controlled by adjustingthe applied voltage (e.g., a higher applied voltage results in a higheramount of transparency). As an example and not by way of limitation,PDLC pixel 160 may be 50% transparent (e.g., may transmit 50% ofincident light) with an applied voltage of 2.5 V, and PDLC pixel 160 maybe 90% transparent with an applied voltage of 5 V.

In particular embodiments, a PDLC material may be made by adding highmolecular-weight polymers to a low-molecular weight liquid crystal.Liquid crystals may be dissolved or dispersed into a liquid polymerfollowed by a solidification process (e.g., polymerization or solventevaporation). During the change of the polymer from liquid to solid, theliquid crystals may become incompatible with the solid polymer and formdroplets (e.g., LC droplets 320) dispersed throughout the solid polymer(e.g., polymer 330). In particular embodiments, a liquid mix of polymerand liquid crystals may be placed between two layers, where each layerincludes substrate 300 and electrode 310. The polymer may then be cured,thereby forming a sandwich structure of a PDLC device as illustrated inFIGS. 24A-24B.

A PDLC material may be considered part of a class of materials referredto as liquid-crystal polymer composites (LCPCs). A PDLC material mayinclude about the same relative concentration of polymer and liquidcrystals. Another type of LCPC is polymer-stabilized liquid crystal(PSLC), in which concentration of the polymer may be less than 10% ofthe LC concentration. Similar to a PDLC material, a PSLC material alsocontains droplets of LC in a polymer binder, but the concentration ofthe polymer is considerably less than the LC concentration.Additionally, in a PSLC material, the LCs may be continuouslydistributed throughout the polymer rather than dispersed as droplets.Adding the polymer to an LC to form a phase-separated PSLC mixturecreates differently oriented domains of the LC, and light may bescattered from these domains, where the size of the domains maydetermine the strength of scattering. In particular embodiments, a pixel160 may include a PSLC material, and in an “off” state with no appliedelectric field, a PSLC pixel 160 may appear substantially transparent.In this state, liquid crystals near the polymers tend to align with thepolymer network in a stabilized configuration. A polymer-stabilizedhomogeneously aligned nematic liquid crystal allows light to passthrough without being scattered because of the homogeneous orientationof both polymer and LC. In an “on” state with an applied electric field,a PSLC pixel 160 may appear substantially opaque. In this state, theelectric field applies a force on the LC molecules to align with thevertical electric field. However, the polymer network tries to hold theLC molecules in a horizontal homogeneous direction. As a result, amulti-domain structure is formed where LCs within a domain are orienteduniformly, but the domains are oriented randomly. In this state,incident light encounters the different indices of refraction of thedomains and the light is scattered. Although this disclosure describesand illustrates particular polymer-stabilized liquid crystal materialsconfigured to form particular pixels having particular structures, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable polymer-stabilized liquid crystalmaterials configured to form any suitable pixels having any suitablestructures.

In one or more embodiments, LC droplets 320 of FIGS. 24A-24B are notdyed. Accordingly, the pixel appears white when controlled to be in anopaque state. The LC droplets, for example, scatter the light. In one ormore embodiments, a dye is added to LC droplets 320. The dye is colored.The dye helps to absorb light and also scatters non-absorbed light.Example colors for the dye include, but are not limited to, black,white, silver (e.g., TiO2), red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow.With the addition of a dye to LC droplets 320 and the pixel controlledto be in an opaque state, the pixel appears to be the color of the dyethat is used.

In one or more embodiments, a PDLC display is capable of including oneor more pixels that do not include dye. In one or more embodiments, aPDLC display is capable of including one or more pixels where each pixelincludes dye. In one or more embodiments, a PDLC display is capable ofincluding a plurality of pixels where only some, e.g., a subset ofpixels of the display, include dye. Further, in particular embodiments,different dyes may be used for different pixels. For example, a PDLCdisplay is capable of having one or more pixels including a first dyecolor, one or more pixels including a second and different dye color,etc. The PDLC display can include more than two differently dyed pixels.A PDLC display, for example, is capable of including one or more pixelsdyed black, one or more pixels dyed white, one or more pixels dyedsilver, one or more pixels dyed red, one or more pixels dyed green, oneor more pixels dyed blue, one or more pixels dyed cyan, one or morepixels dyed magenta, one or more pixels dyed yellow, or any combinationof the foregoing.

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of example electrochromic pixel 160. Inparticular embodiments, an electrochromic display may includeelectrochromic pixels 160 arranged to form a display screen, where eachelectrochromic pixel 160 may be individually addressable (e.g., using anactive-matrix or a passive-matrix scheme). In the example of FIG. 25,electrochromic pixel 160 includes substrates 300 (e.g., a thin sheet oftransparent glass or plastic), electrodes 310, ion storage layer 350,ion conductive electrolyte 360, and electrochromic layer 370. Electrodes310 are substantially transparent and may be made of a thin film of ITO,which is deposited onto a surface of substrate 300. Electrochromic layer370 includes a material that exhibits electrochromism (e.g., tungstenoxide, nickel-oxide materials, or polyaniline), where electrochromismrefers to a reversible change in color when a burst of electric chargeis applied to a material. In particular embodiments, in response to anapplied charge or voltage, electrochromic pixel 160 may change between asubstantially transparent state (e.g., incident light 340 propagatesthrough electrochromic pixel 160) and an opaque, colored, or translucentstate (e.g., incident light 340 may be partially absorbed, filtered, orscattered by electrochromic pixel 160). In particular embodiments, in anopaque, colored, or translucent state, electrochromic pixel 160 mayappear blue, silver, black, white, or any other suitable color.Electrochromic pixel 160 may change from one state to another when aburst of charge or voltage is applied to electrodes 310 (e.g., switch inFIG. 25 may be closed momentarily to apply a momentary voltage betweenelectrodes 310). In particular embodiments, once a state ofelectrochromic pixel 160 has been changed with a burst of charge,electrochromic pixel 160 may not require any power to maintain itsstate, and so, electrochromic pixel 160 may only require power whenchanging between states. As an example and not by way of limitation,once the electrochromic pixels 160 of an electrochromic display havebeen configured (e.g., to be either transparent or white) so the displayshows some particular information (e.g., an image or text), thedisplayed information can be maintained in a static mode withoutrequiring any power or refresh of the pixels.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of example electro-dispersivepixel 160. In particular embodiments, an electro-dispersive display mayinclude multiple electro-dispersive pixels 160 arranged to form adisplay screen, where each electro-dispersive pixel 160 may beindividually addressable (e.g., using an active-matrix or apassive-matrix scheme). As an example and not by way of limitation,electro-dispersive pixel 160 may include two or more electrodes to whichvoltages may be applied through an active or passive matrix. Inparticular embodiments, electro-dispersive pixel 160 may include frontelectrode 400, attractor electrode 410, and pixel enclosure 430. Frontelectrode 400 may be oriented substantially parallel to a viewingsurface of the display screen, and front electrode 400 may besubstantially transparent to visible light. As an example and not by wayof limitation, front electrode 400 may be made of a thin film of ITO,which may be deposited onto a front or back surface of pixel enclosure430. Attractor electrode 410 may be oriented at an angle with respect tofront electrode 400. As an example and not by way of limitation,attractor electrode 410 may be approximately orthogonal to frontelectrode 400 (e.g., oriented at approximately 90 degrees with respectto front electrode 400). In particular embodiments, electro-dispersivepixel 160 may also include disperser electrode 420 disposed on a surfaceof enclosure 430 opposite attractor electrode 410. Attractor electrode410 and disperser electrode 420 may each be made of a thin film of ITOor a thin film of other conductive material (e.g., gold, silver, copper,chrome, or a conductive form of carbon).

In particular embodiments, pixel enclosure 430 may be located at leastin part behind or in front of front electrode 400. As an example and notby way of limitation, enclosure 430 may include several walls thatcontain an interior volume bounded by the walls of enclosure 430, andone or more electrodes may be attached to or deposited on respectivesurfaces of walls of enclosure 430. As an example and not by way oflimitation, front electrode 400 may be an ITO electrode deposited on aninterior surface (e.g., a surface that faces the pixel volume) or anexterior surface of a front or back wall of enclosure 430. In particularembodiments, front or back walls of enclosure 430 may refer to layers ofpixel 160 that incident light may travel through when interacting withpixel 160, and the front or back walls of enclosure 430 may besubstantially transparent to visible light. Thus, in particularembodiments, pixel 160 may have a state or mode in which it issubstantially transparent to visible light and does not: emit orgenerate visible light; modulate one or more frequencies (i.e., colors)of visible light; or both. As another example and not by way oflimitation, attractor electrode 410 or disperser electrode 420 may eachbe attached to or deposited on an interior or exterior surface of a sidewall of enclosure 430.

FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of example electro-dispersive pixel 160of FIG. 26. In particular embodiments, enclosure 430 may contain anelectrically controllable material that is moveable within a volume ofthe enclosure, and the electrically controllable material may be atleast partially opaque to visible light. As an example and not by way oflimitation, the electrically controllable material may be reflective ormay be white, black, gray, blue, or any other suitable color. Inparticular embodiments, pixels 160 of a display may be configured toreceive a voltage applied between front electrode 400 and attractorelectrode 410 and produce an electric field based on the appliedvoltage, where the electric field extends, at least in part, through thevolume of pixel enclosure 430. In particular embodiments, theelectrically controllable material may be configured to move towardfront electrode 400 or attractor electrode 410 in response to an appliedelectric field. In particular embodiments, the electrically controllablematerial may include opaque particles 440 that are white, black, orreflective, and the particles may be suspended in a transparent fluid450 contained within the pixel volume. As an example and not by way oflimitation, electro-dispersive particles 440 may be made of titaniumdioxide (which may appear white) and may have a diameter ofapproximately 1 μm. As another example and not by way of limitation,electro-dispersive particles 440 may be made of any suitable materialand may be coated with a colored or reflective coating. Particles 440may have any suitable size, such as for example, a diameter of 0.1 μm, 1μm, or 10 μm. Particles 440 may have any suitable range of diameters(such as for example diameters ranging from 1 μm to 2 μm). Although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates particular electro-dispersiveparticles having particular compositions and particular sizes, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable electro-dispersive particles havingany suitable compositions and any suitable sizes. In particularembodiments, the operation of electro-dispersive pixel 160 may involveelectrophoresis, where particles 440 have an electrical charge or anelectrical dipole, and the particles may be moved using an appliedelectric field. As an example and not by way of limitation, particles440 may have a positive charge and may be attracted to a negative chargeor the negative side of an electric field. Alternately, particles 440may have a negative charge and may be attracted to a positive charge orthe positive side of an electric field. When electro-dispersive pixel160 is configured to be transparent, particles 440 may be moved toattractor electrode 410, allowing incident light (e.g., light ray 340)to pass through pixel 160. When pixel 160 is configured to be opaque,particles 440 may be moved to front electrode 400, scattering orabsorbing incident light.

In one or more embodiments, particles 440 of FIG. 27 are not dyed.Accordingly, the pixel appears white when controlled to be in an opaquestate. Particles 440, for example, scatter the light. In one or moreembodiments, a dye is added to particles 440. The dye is colored. Thedye helps to absorb light and also scatters non-absorbed light. Examplecolors for the dye include, but are not limited to, black, white, silver(e.g., TiO2), red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow. With theaddition of a dye to particles 440 and the pixel controlled to be in anopaque state, the pixel appears to be the color of the dye that is used.

In one or more embodiments, an electro-dispersive display is capable ofincluding one or more pixels that do not include dye. In one or moreembodiments, an electro-dispersive display is capable of including oneor more pixels where each pixel includes dye. In one or moreembodiments, an electro-dispersive display is capable of including aplurality of pixels where only some, e.g., a subset of pixels of thedisplay, include dye. Further, in particular embodiments, different dyesmay be used for different pixels. For example, an electro-dispersivedisplay is capable of having one or more pixels including a first dyecolor, one or more pixels including a second and different dye color,etc. An electro-dispersive display can include more than two differentlydyed pixels. An electro-dispersive display, for example, is capable ofincluding one or more pixels dyed black, one or more pixels dyed white,one or more pixels dyed silver, one or more pixels dyed red, one or morepixels dyed green, one or more pixels dyed blue, one or more pixels dyedcyan, one or more pixels dyed magenta, one or more pixels dyed yellow,or any combination of the foregoing.

FIGS. 28A-28C each illustrate a top view of example electro-dispersivepixel 160. In particular embodiments, pixel 160 may be configured tooperate in multiple modes, including a transparent mode (as illustratedin FIG. 28A), a partially transparent mode (as illustrated in FIG. 28B),and an opaque mode (as illustrated in FIG. 28C). In the examples ofFIGS. 28A-28C, the electrodes are labeled “ATTRACT,” “REPULSE,” and“PARTIAL ATTRACT,” depending on the mode of operation. In particularembodiments, “ATTRACT” refers to an electrode configured to attractparticles 440, while “REPULSE” refers to an electrode configured torepulse particles 440, and vice versa. The relative voltages applied tothe electrodes depend on whether particles 440 have positive or negativecharges. As an example and not by way of limitation, if particles 440have a positive charge, then an “ATTRACT” electrode may be coupled toground, while a “REPULSE” electrode may have a positive voltage (e.g.,+5 V) applied to it. In this case, positively charged particles 440would be attracted to the ground electrode and repulsed by the positiveelectrode.

In a transparent mode of operation, a substantial portion (e.g., greaterthan 80%, 90%, 95%, or any suitable percentage) of electricallycontrollable material 440 may be attracted to and located near attractorelectrode 410, resulting in pixel 160 being substantially transparent toincident visible light. As an example and not by way of limitation, ifparticles 440 have a negative charge, then attractor electrode 410 mayhave an applied positive voltage (e.g., +5 V), while front electrode 400is coupled to a ground potential (e.g., 0 V). As illustrated in FIG.28A, particles 440 are clumped about attractor electrode 410 and mayprevent only a small fraction of incident light from propagating throughpixel 160. In a transparent mode, little or none of electricallycontrollable material 440 (e.g., less than 20%, 10%, 5%, or any suitablepercentage) may be located near front electrode 400, and pixel 160 maytransmit greater than 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or any suitable percentage ofvisible light incident on a front or back surface of pixel 160.

In a partially transparent mode of operation, a first portion ofelectrically controllable material 440 may be located near frontelectrode 400, and a second portion of electrically controllablematerial 440 may be located near attractor electrode 410. In particularembodiments, the first and second portions of electrically controllablematerial 440 may each include between 10% and 90% of the electricallycontrollable material. In the partially transparent mode illustrated inFIG. 28B, front electrode 400 and attractor electrode 410 may each beconfigured to be partially attractive to particles 440. In FIG. 28B,approximately 50% of particles 440 are located near attractor electrode410, and approximately 50% of particles 440 are located near frontelectrode 400. In particular embodiments, when operating in a partiallytransparent mode, an amount of the first or second portions may beapproximately proportional to a voltage applied between front electrode400 and attractor electrode 410. As an example and not by way oflimitation, if particles 440 have a negative charge and front electrode400 is coupled to ground, then an amount of particles 440 located nearattractor electrode 410 may be approximately proportional to a voltageapplied to attractor electrode 410. Additionally, an amount of particles440 located near front electrode 400 may be inversely proportional tothe voltage applied to attractor electrode 410. In particularembodiments, when operating in a partially transparent mode,electro-dispersive pixel 160 may be partially opaque, whereelectro-dispersive pixel 160 is partially transparent to visible lightand partially reflects, scatters, or absorbs visible light. In apartially transparent mode, pixel 160 is partially transparent toincident visible light, where an amount of transparency may beapproximately proportional to the portion of electrically controllablematerial 440 located near attractor electrode 410.

In an opaque mode of operation, a substantial portion (e.g., greaterthan 80%, 90%, 95%, or any suitable percentage) of electricallycontrollable material 440 may be located near front electrode 400. As anexample and not by way of limitation, if particles 440 have a negativecharge, then attractor electrode 410 may be coupled to a groundpotential, while front electrode 400 has an applied positive voltage(e.g., +5 V). In particular embodiments, when operating in an opaquemode, pixel 160 may be substantially opaque, where pixel 160 reflects,scatters, or absorbs substantially all incident visible light. Asillustrated in FIG. 28C, particles 440 may be attracted to frontelectrode 400, forming an opaque layer on the electrode and preventinglight from passing through pixel 160. In particular embodiments,particles 440 may be white or reflecting, and in an opaque mode, pixel160 may appear white. In other particular embodiments, particles 440 maybe black or absorbing, and in an opaque mode, pixel may appear black.

In particular embodiments, electrically controllable material 440 may beconfigured to absorb one or more spectral components of light andtransmit one or more other spectral components of light. As an exampleand not by way of limitation, electrically controllable material 440 maybe configured to absorb red light and transmit green and blue light.Three or more pixels may be combined together to form a color pixel thatmay be configured to display color, and multiple color pixels may becombined to form a color display. In particular embodiments, a colorelectro-dispersive display may be made by using particles 440 withdifferent colors. As an example and not by way of limitation, particles440 may be selectively transparent or reflective to specific colors(e.g., red, green, or blue), and a combination of three or more coloredelectro-dispersive pixels 160 may be used to form a color pixel.

In particular embodiments, when moving particles 440 from attractorelectrode 410 to front electrode 400, disperser electrode 420, locatedopposite attractor electrode 410, may be used to disperse particles 440away from attractor electrode 410 before an attractive voltage isapplied to front electrode 400. As an example and not by way oflimitation, before applying a voltage to front electrode 400 to attractparticles 440, a voltage may first be applied to disperser electrode 420to draw particles 440 away from attractor electrode 410 and into thepixel volume. This action may result in particles 440 being distributedsubstantially uniformly across front electrode 440 when front electrode440 is configured to attract particles 440. In particular embodiments,electro-dispersive pixels 160 may preserve their state when power isremoved, and an electro-dispersive pixel 160 may only require power whenchanging its state (e.g., from transparent to opaque). In particularembodiments, an electro-dispersive display may continue to displayinformation after power is removed. An electro-dispersive display mayonly consume power when updating displayed information, and anelectro-dispersive display may consume very low or no power when updatesto the displayed information are not being executed.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of example electrowetting pixel160. In particular embodiments, an electrowetting display may includemultiple electrowetting pixels 160 arranged to form a display screen,where each electrowetting pixel 160 may be individually addressable(e.g., using an active-matrix or a passive-matrix scheme). In particularembodiments, electrowetting pixel may include front electrode 400,attractor electrode 410, liquid electrode 420, pixel enclosure 430, orhydrophobic coating 460. Front electrode 400 may be orientedsubstantially parallel to a viewing surface of the display screen, andfront electrode 400 may be substantially transparent to visible light.Front electrode 400 may be an ITO electrode deposited on an interior orexterior surface of a front or back wall of enclosure 430. Attractorelectrode 410 and liquid electrode 420 (located opposite attractorelectrode 410) may each be oriented at an angle with respect to frontelectrode 400. As an example and not by way of limitation, attractorelectrode 410 and liquid electrode 420 may each be substantiallyorthogonal to front electrode 400. Attractor electrode 410 or liquidelectrode 420 may each be attached to or deposited on an interior orexterior surface of a side wall of enclosure 430. Attractor electrode410 and liquid electrode 420 may each be made of a thin film of ITO or athin film of other conductive material (e.g., gold, silver, copper,chrome, or a conductive form of carbon).

FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of example electrowetting pixel 160 ofFIG. 29. In particular embodiments, electrically controllable material440 may include an electrowetting fluid 440 that may be colored oropaque. As an example and not by way of limitation, electrowetting fluid440 may appear black (e.g., may substantially absorb light) or mayabsorb or transmit some color components (e.g., may absorb red light andtransmit blue and green light). Electrowetting fluid 440 may becontained within the pixel volume along with transparent fluid 470, andelectrowetting fluid 440 and transparent fluid 470 may be immiscible. Inparticular embodiments, electrowetting fluid 440 may include an oil, andtransparent fluid 470 may include water. In particular embodiments,electrowetting may refer to a modification of the wetting properties ofa surface by an applied electric field, and an electrowetting fluid 440may refer to a fluid that moves or is attracted to a surface in responseto an applied electric field. As an example and not by way oflimitation, electrowetting fluid 440 may move toward an electrode havinga positive applied voltage. When electrowetting pixel 160 is configuredto be transparent, electrowetting fluid 440 may be moved adjacent toattractor electrode 410, allowing incident light (e.g., light ray 340)to pass through pixel 160. When pixel 160 is configured to be opaque,electrowetting fluid 440 may be moved adjacent to front electrode 400,causing incident light to be scattered or absorbed by electrowettingfluid 440.

In particular embodiments, electrowetting pixel 160 may includehydrophobic coating 460 disposed on one or more surfaces of pixelenclosure 430. Hydrophobic coating 460 may be located betweenelectrowetting fluid 440 and the front and attractor electrodes. As anexample and not by way of limitation, hydrophobic coating 460 may beaffixed to or deposited on interior surfaces of one or more walls ofpixel enclosure 430 that are adjacent to front electrode 400 andattractor electrode 410. In particular embodiments, hydrophobic coating460 may include a material that electrowetting fluid 440 can wet easily,which may result in electrowetting fluid forming a substantially uniformlayer (rather than beads) on a surface adjacent to the electrodes.

FIGS. 31A-31C each illustrate a top view of example electrowetting pixel160. In particular embodiments, electrowetting pixel 160 may beconfigured to operate in multiple modes, including a transparent mode(as illustrated in FIG. 31A), a partially transparent mode (asillustrated in FIG. 31B), and an opaque mode (as illustrated in FIG.31C). Electrodes in FIGS. 31A-31C are labeled with positive and negativecharge symbols indicating the relative charge and polarity of theelectrodes. In the transparent mode of operation illustrated in FIG.31A, front electrode 400 is off (e.g., no charge or applied voltage),attractor electrode 410 has a positive charge or voltage, and, relativeto attractor electrode 410, liquid electrode 420 has a negative chargeor voltage. As an example and not by way of limitation, a +5 V voltagemay be applied to attractor electrode 410, and liquid electrode 420 maybe coupled to ground. In a transparent mode of operation, a substantialportion (e.g., greater than 80%, 90%, 95%, or any suitable percentage)of electrowetting fluid 440 may be attracted to and located nearattractor electrode 410, resulting in pixel 160 being substantiallytransparent to incident visible light. In the partially transparent modeof operation illustrated in FIG. 31B, a first portion of electrowettingfluid 440 is located near front electrode 400, and a second portion ofelectrowetting fluid 440 is located near attractor electrode 410. Frontelectrode 400 and attractor electrode 410 are each be configured toattract electrowetting fluid 440, and the amount of electrowetting fluid440 on each electrode depends on the relative charge or voltage appliedto the electrodes. When operating in a partially transparent mode,electrowetting pixel 160 may be partially opaque and partiallytransparent. In the opaque mode of operation illustrated in FIG. 31C, asubstantial portion (e.g., greater than 80%, 90%, 95%, or any suitablepercentage) of electrowetting fluid 440 is located near front electrode400. Front electrode 400 has a positive charge, and attractor electrode410 is off, resulting in the movement of electrowetting fluid to asurface of pixel enclosure 430 adjacent to front electrode 400. Inparticular embodiments, in opaque mode, electrowetting pixel 160 may besubstantially opaque, reflecting, scattering, or absorbing substantiallyall incident visible light. As an example and not by way of limitation,electrowetting fluid 440 may be black or absorbing, and pixel 160 mayappear black.

In one or more embodiments, electrowetting fluid 440 of FIGS. 29-31 isnot dyed. Accordingly, the pixel appears white when controlled to be inan opaque state. Electrowetting fluid 440, for example, scatters thelight. In one or more embodiments, a dye is added to electrowettingfluid 440. The dye is colored. The dye helps to absorb light and alsoscatters non-absorbed light. Example colors for the dye include, but arenot limited to, black, white, silver (e.g., TiO2), red, green, blue,cyan, magenta, and yellow. With the addition of a dye to electrowettingfluid 440 and the pixel controlled to be in an opaque state, the pixelappears to be the color of the dye that is used.

In one or more embodiments, an electrowetting display is capable ofincluding one or more pixels that do not include dye. In one or moreembodiments, an electrowetting display is capable of including one ormore pixels where each pixel includes dye. In one or more embodiments,an electrowetting display is capable of including a plurality of pixelswhere only some, e.g., a subset of pixels of the display, include dye.Further, in particular embodiments, different dyes may be used fordifferent pixels. For example, an electrowetting display is capable ofhaving one or more pixels including a first dye color, one or morepixels including a second and different dye color, etc. Anelectrowetting display can include more than two differently dyedpixels. An electrowetting display, for example, is capable of includingone or more pixels dyed black, one or more pixels dyed white, one ormore pixels dyed silver, one or more pixels dyed red, one or more pixelsdyed green, one or more pixels dyed blue, one or more pixels dyed cyan,one or more pixels dyed magenta, one or more pixels dyed yellow, or anycombination of the foregoing.

In particular embodiments, a PDLC display an electrochromic display, ora SmA display may be fabricated using one or more glass substrates orplastic substrates. As an example and not by way of limitation, a PDLCelectrochromic display, or a SmA display may be fabricated with twoglass or plastic sheets with the PDLC, electrochromic or SmA material,respectively, sandwiched between the two sheets. In particularembodiments, a PDLC electrochromic, or a SmA display may be fabricatedon a plastic substrate using a roll-to-roll processing technique. Inparticular embodiments, a display fabrication process may includepatterning a substrate to include a passive or active matrix. As anexample and not by way of limitation, a substrate may be patterned witha passive matrix that includes conductive areas or lines that extendfrom one edge of a display to another edge. As another example and notby way of limitation, a substrate may be patterned and coated to producea set of transistors for an active matrix. A first substrate may includethe set of transistors which may be configured to couple two tracestogether (e.g., a hold trace and a scan trace), and a second substratelocated on an opposite side of the display from the first substrate mayinclude a set of conductive lines. In particular embodiments, conductivelines or traces may extend to an end of a substrate and may be coupled(e.g., via pressure-fit or zebra-stripe connector pads) to one or morecontrol boards. In particular embodiments, an electro-dispersive displayor an electrowetting display may be fabricated by patterning a bottomsubstrate with conductive lines that form connections for pixelelectrodes. In particular embodiments, a plastic grid may be attached tothe bottom substrate using ultrasonic, chemical, or thermal attachmenttechniques (e.g., ultrasonic, chemical, thermal, or spot welding). Inparticular embodiments, the plastic grid or bottom substrate may bepatterned with conductive materials (e.g., metal or ITO) to formelectrodes. In particular embodiments, the cells may be filled with aworking fluid (e.g., the cells may be filled using immersion, inkjetdeposition, or screen or rotogravure transfer). As an example and not byway of limitation, for an electro-dispersive display, the working fluidmay include opaque charged particles suspended in a transparent liquid(e.g., water). As another example and not by way of limitation, for anelectrowetting display, the working fluid may include a combination ofan oil and water. In particular embodiments, a top substrate may beattached to the plastic grid, and the top substrate may seal the cells.In particular embodiments, the top substrate may include transparentelectrodes. Although this disclosure describes particular techniques forfabricating particular displays, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable techniques for fabricating any suitable displays.

FIG. 32 illustrates an example computer system 3200. In particularembodiments, one or more computer systems 3200 perform one or more stepsof one or more methods described or illustrated herein. In particularembodiments, one or more computer systems 3200 provide functionalitydescribed or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, softwarerunning on one or more computer systems 3200 performs one or more stepsof one or more methods described or illustrated herein or providesfunctionality described or illustrated herein. Particular embodimentsinclude one or more portions of one or more computer systems 3200.Herein, reference to a computer system may encompass a computing device,and vice versa, where appropriate. Moreover, reference to a computersystem may encompass one or more computer systems, where appropriate.

This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of computer systems3200. This disclosure contemplates computer system 3200 taking anysuitable physical form. As example and not by way of limitation,computer system 3200 may be an embedded computer system, asystem-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (such as, forexample, a computer-on-module (COM) or system-on-module (SOM)), adesktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, aninteractive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer systems, a mobiletelephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, a tabletcomputer system, or a combination of two or more of these. Whereappropriate, computer system 3200 may include one or more computersystems 3200; be unitary or distributed; span multiple locations; spanmultiple machines; span multiple data centers; or reside in a cloud,which may include one or more cloud components in one or more networks.Where appropriate, one or more computer systems 3200 may perform withoutsubstantial spatial or temporal limitation one or more steps of one ormore methods described or illustrated herein. As an example and not byway of limitation, one or more computer systems 3200 may perform in realtime or in batch mode one or more steps of one or more methods describedor illustrated herein. One or more computer systems 3200 may perform atdifferent times or at different locations one or more steps of one ormore methods described or illustrated herein, where appropriate.

In particular embodiments, computer system 3200 includes a processor3202, memory 3204, storage 3206, an input/output (I/O) interface 3208, acommunication interface 3210, and a bus 3212. Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates a particular computer system having aparticular number of particular components in a particular arrangement,this disclosure contemplates any suitable computer system having anysuitable number of any suitable components in any suitable arrangement.

In particular embodiments, processor 3202 includes hardware forexecuting instructions, such as those making up a computer program. Asan example and not by way of limitation, to execute instructions,processor 3202 may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internalregister, an internal cache, memory 3204, or storage 3206; decode andexecute them; and then write one or more results to an internalregister, an internal cache, memory 3204, or storage 3206. In particularembodiments, processor 3202 may include one or more internal caches fordata, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor3202 including any suitable number of any suitable internal caches,where appropriate. As an example and not by way of limitation, processor3202 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more datacaches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs).Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions inmemory 3204 or storage 3206, and the instruction caches may speed upretrieval of those instructions by processor 3202. Data in the datacaches may be copies of data in memory 3204 or storage 3206 forinstructions executing at processor 3202 to operate on; the results ofprevious instructions executed at processor 3202 for access bysubsequent instructions executing at processor 3202 or for writing tomemory 3204 or storage 3206; or other suitable data. The data caches mayspeed up read or write operations by processor 3202. The TLBs may speedup virtual-address translation for processor 3202. In particularembodiments, processor 3202 may include one or more internal registersfor data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplatesprocessor 3202 including any suitable number of any suitable internalregisters, where appropriate. Where appropriate, processor 3202 mayinclude one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs); be a multi-coreprocessor; or include one or more processors 3202. Although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates a particular processor, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable processor.

In particular embodiments, memory 3204 includes main memory for storinginstructions for processor 3202 to execute or data for processor 3202 tooperate on. As an example and not by way of limitation, computer system3200 may load instructions from storage 3206 or another source (such as,for example, another computer system 3200) to memory 3204. Processor3202 may then load the instructions from memory 3204 to an internalregister or internal cache. To execute the instructions, processor 3202may retrieve the instructions from the internal register or internalcache and decode them. During or after execution of the instructions,processor 3202 may write one or more results (which may be intermediateor final results) to the internal register or internal cache. Processor3202 may then write one or more of those results to memory 3204. Inparticular embodiments, processor 3202 executes only instructions in oneor more internal registers or internal caches or in memory 3204 (asopposed to storage 3206 or elsewhere) and operates only on data in oneor more internal registers or internal caches or in memory 3204 (asopposed to storage 3206 or elsewhere). One or more memory buses (whichmay each include an address bus and a data bus) may couple processor3202 to memory 3204. Bus 3212 may include one or more memory buses, asdescribed below. In particular embodiments, one or more memorymanagement units (MMUs) reside between processor 3202 and memory 3204and facilitate accesses to memory 3204 requested by processor 3202. Inparticular embodiments, memory 3204 includes random access memory (RAM).This RAM may be volatile memory, where appropriate, and this RAM may bedynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM), where appropriate. Moreover,where appropriate, this RAM may be single-ported or multi-ported RAM.This disclosure contemplates any suitable RAM. Memory 3204 may includeone or more memories 3204, where appropriate. Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates particular memory, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable memory.

In particular embodiments, storage 3206 includes mass storage for dataor instructions. As an example and not by way of limitation, storage3206 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flashmemory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more ofthese. Storage 3206 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed)media, where appropriate. Storage 3206 may be internal or external tocomputer system 3200, where appropriate. In particular embodiments,storage 3206 is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In particularembodiments, storage 3206 includes read-only memory (ROM). Whereappropriate, this ROM may be mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM(PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM),electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory or a combination oftwo or more of these. This disclosure contemplates mass storage 3206taking any suitable physical form. Storage 3206 may include one or morestorage control units facilitating communication between processor 3202and storage 3206, where appropriate. Where appropriate, storage 3206 mayinclude one or more storages 3206. Although this disclosure describesand illustrates particular storage, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable storage.

In particular embodiments, I/O interface 3208 includes hardware,software, or both, providing one or more interfaces for communicationbetween computer system 3200 and one or more I/O devices. Computersystem 3200 may include one or more of these I/O devices, whereappropriate. One or more of these I/O devices may enable communicationbetween a person and computer system 3200. As an example and not by wayof limitation, an I/O device may include a keyboard, keypad, microphone,monitor, mouse, printer, scanner, speaker, still camera, stylus, tablet,touch screen, trackball, video camera, another suitable I/O device or acombination of two or more of these. An I/O device may include one ormore sensors. This disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O devices andany suitable I/O interfaces 3208 for them. Where appropriate, I/Ointerface 3208 may include one or more device or software driversenabling processor 3202 to drive one or more of these I/O devices. I/Ointerface 3208 may include one or more I/O interfaces 3208, whereappropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates aparticular I/O interface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable I/Ointerface.

In particular embodiments, communication interface 3210 includeshardware, software, or both providing one or more interfaces forcommunication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) betweencomputer system 3200 and one or more other computer systems 3200 or oneor more networks. As an example and not by way of limitation,communication interface 3210 may include a network interface controller(NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or otherwire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter forcommunicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI network. Thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable network and any suitablecommunication interface 3210 for it. As an example and not by way oflimitation, computer system 3200 may communicate with an ad hoc network,a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), body area network(BAN), or one or more portions of the Internet or a combination of twoor more of these. One or more portions of one or more of these networksmay be wired or wireless. As an example, computer system 3200 maycommunicate with a wireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, aBLUETOOTH WPAN), a WI-FI network, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephonenetwork (such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM) network), or other suitable wireless network or a combination oftwo or more of these. Computer system 3200 may include any suitablecommunication interface 3210 for any of these networks, whereappropriate. Communication interface 3210 may include one or morecommunication interfaces 3210, where appropriate. Although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates a particular communicationinterface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable communicationinterface.

In particular embodiments, bus 3212 includes hardware, software, or bothcoupling components of computer system 3200 to each other. As an exampleand not by way of limitation, bus 3212 may include an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry StandardArchitecture (EISA) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT)interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBANDinterconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro ChannelArchitecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, aPCI-Express (PCIe) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA)bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, oranother suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these. Bus 3212may include one or more buses 3212, where appropriate. Although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates a particular bus, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

FIGS. 33 and 34 each illustrates an example cross-sectional view of anexample display. In particular embodiments shown in FIG. 33, the displayincludes a first glass layer, a first ITO layer, a first dielectriclayer, LC material (e.g., LC SmA), a second dielectric layer, a secondITO layer, and a second glass layer. In particular embodiments shown inFIG. 34, the display includes a first glass layer, a first ITO layer, LCmaterial (e.g., LC SmA), a second ITO layer, and a second glass layer.The display of FIG. 34 does not include a dielectric layer.

FIGS. 35A-35D each illustrates example liquid crystals. In particular,FIG. 35 illustrates nematic, SmA, SmC, and cholesteric LC alignments. Inoperation, the alignment can be modulated by application of an electricfield. FIG. 35A illustrates molecules in nematic liquid crystal phase.In the nematic liquid crystal phase, the molecules have no positionalorder but tend to point in the same direction referred to as the“director.” FIG. 35B illustrates the SmA mesophase of liquid crystals.In FIG. 32B, the director is perpendicular to the smectic plane, andthere is no particular positional order in the layer. The SmA mesophaseis bistable. A liquid crystal layer in the SmA mesophase appearstransparent. The SmB mesophase orients with the director perpendicularto the smectic plane, but the molecules are arranged into a network ofhexagons within the layer. FIG. 32C illustrates the SmC mesophase wheremolecules are arranged as in the SmA mesophase, but the director is at aconstant tilt angle measured normally to the smectic plane. FIG. 32Dillustrates the cholesteric (or chiral nematic) liquid crystal phase.The cholesteric liquid crystal phase is typically composed of nematicmesogenic molecules containing a chiral center which producesintermolecular forces that favor alignment between molecules at a slightangle to one another. The cholesteric liquid crystal formationcorresponds to a structure which can be visualized as a stack of verythin 2-D nematic-like layers with the director in each layer twistedwith respect to those above and below. In this structure, the directorsform in a continuous helical pattern.

FIGS. 36A-36B illustrate example SmA liquid crystals in scattering andtransparent states, respectively. FIGS. 36A-36B illustrate the bistablenature of the SmA mesophase of liquid crystals. In the SmA mesophase ofliquid crystal molecules, the molecules self-assemble into a bi-layeredarrangement. In the SmA mesophase, the liquid crystal molecules possesslarger ionic conductivity along the layers rather than across thelayers. This larger ionic conductivity along layers results in ionicelectrohydrodynamic effects when a low-frequency electric field isapplied. FIG. 36A illustrates the SmA mesophase of liquid crystalmolecules having a chaotic orientation that scatters light to appearopaque. For example, a layer implemented as described in connection withFIG. 36A appears white. Increasing frequency of the electric fieldapplied to the liquid crystal molecules suppresses the ionic motioncausing the liquid crystal molecules align with the field throughdielectric reorientation resulting in a clear state. FIG. 36Billustrates the SmA mesophase of liquid crystal molecules reoriented toimplement a clear state. Due to the high viscosity of the SmA mesophase,the SmA mesophase of liquid crystal molecules is bistable.

In one or more embodiments, the liquid crystal molecules (liquidcrystals) of FIG. 36 are not dyed. Accordingly, the pixel appears whitewhen controlled to be in an opaque state. The liquid crystals, forexample, scatter the light. In one or more embodiments, a dye is addedto the liquid crystals. The dye is colored. The dye helps to absorblight and also scatters non-absorbed light. Example colors for the dyeinclude, but are not limited to, black, white, silver (e.g., TiO2), red,green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow. With the addition of a dye tothe liquid crystals and the pixel controlled to be in an opaque state,the pixel appears to be the color of the dye that is used.

In one or more embodiments, a liquid crystal display including Smectic Aliquid crystals is capable of including one or more pixels that do notinclude dye. In one or more embodiments, a liquid crystal displayincluding Smectic A liquid crystals is capable of including one or morepixels where each pixel includes dye. In one or more embodiments, aliquid crystal display including Smectic A liquid crystals is capable ofincluding a plurality of pixels where only some, e.g., a subset ofpixels of the display, include dye. Further, in particular embodiments,different dyes may be used for different pixels. For example, a liquidcrystal display including Smectic A liquid crystals is capable of havingone or more pixels including a first dye color, one or more pixelsincluding a second and different dye color, etc. A liquid crystaldisplay including Smectic A liquid crystals can include more than twodifferently dyed pixels. A liquid crystal display including Smectic Aliquid crystals, for example, is capable of including one or more pixelsdyed black, one or more pixels dyed white, one or more pixels dyedsilver, one or more pixels dyed red, one or more pixels dyed green, oneor more pixels dyed blue, one or more pixels dyed cyan, one or morepixels dyed magenta, one or more pixels dyed yellow, or any combinationof the foregoing.

FIG. 37A-37D each illustrates an example projection system 3700.Referring to FIG. 35A, projection system 3700 includes a projectiondevice 3702 and a projector 3704. In general, projector 3704 is capableof projecting an image on projection device 3702. Projector 3704 iscapable of projecting large scale images (e.g., video, animation,photos, slides, or other information) onto projection device 3702. As anillustrative and nonlimiting example, projection device 3702 may includea projection layer that is approximately 180 or more inches measured onthe diagonal. Projection system 3700 is capable of addressing, e.g.,improving, visibility issues relating to ambient light without expendinglarge amounts of power and/or heat. In addition, projection system 3700is capable of displaying the color black whereas other conventionalprojection systems are unable display the color black. For example,conventional projection systems attempt to display the color black asthe default color of the static surface upon which the projectorprojects images.

In particular embodiments, projection device 3702 is capable ofcoordinating operation with the images projected by projector 3704. Inan example, the projection layer of projection device 3702 iselectronically controllable and pixel addressable to appear white,black, substantially transparent, and/or intermediate steps betweenwhite and substantially transparent or black and substantiallytransparent. Within this disclosure, pixels that are configured toappear an intermediate step between black and substantially transparentor white and substantially transparent are referred to as “grayscale.”By controlling appearance of the display layer of projection device 3702in coordination with the projection of images (e.g., frames) fromprojector 3704, black regions of the images may be projected overregions of the projection layer configured to absorb light; whiteregions of the images may be projected over regions of the projectionlayer configured to scatter or diffuse light; dark regions of the imagesmay be projected over regions of the projection layer configured toappear black or dark; and/or brighter regions of the images may beprojected over regions of the projection layer configured to appearbrighter (e.g., whiter or grayscale).

In one or more embodiments, projection device 3702 is capable ofdisplaying an image (or images) in black and white and/or grayscale incoordination with (e.g., concurrently) projector 3704 projecting theimage (or images). For example, projection device 3702 is capable ofdisplaying the same content on the projection layer that is projected byprojector 3704 synchronized in time so that the images are superposed.In one or more other embodiments, projection device 3702 is capable ofdisplaying color images.

The phrase “in coordination,” as applied to operation of projectiondevice 3702 and projector 3704 refers to any of a variety of ways inwhich projection device 3702 is capable of interacting with projector3704 to operate concurrently and in a manner where operation ofprojection device 3702 depends, at least in part, upon operation ofprojector 3704 and/or operation of projector 3704 depends, at least inpart, upon operation of projection device 3702. In particularembodiments, the phrase “in coordination” means substantiallysynchronized or synchronized. In one or more embodiments, the phrase “incoordination” means substantially aligned or aligned. In particularembodiments, the phrase “in coordination” means substantiallysynchronized and substantially aligned or synchronized and aligned.

For example, synchronization can refer to the timing of displayed and/orprojected images such that an image projected by projector 3704 isprojected in a substantially time synchronized manner with the displayof the image by projection device 3702. For example, projection device3702 can start and stop displaying a given image at substantially thesame time that projector 3704 starts and stops projecting the image.Alignment can refer to the image projected by projector 3704 beingsubstantially superposed with the image displayed by projection device3702, e.g., so that the projection of the image substantially alignswith the image as displayed by projection device 3702.

In the example of FIG. 37A, projection device 3702 includes one or moresensors 3706. In particular embodiments, projection device 3702 includessensors 3706 at an edge of the projection layer included therein. Insome embodiments, the projection layer included in projection device3702 includes one or more sensors 3706 in the middle and/or distributedthroughout the projection layer, e.g., a display of the projectionlayer. Sensors 3706 may be included in or at any suitable locationwithin projection device 3702. For example, one or more sensors 3706 maybe mounted in or on a housing of projection device 3702.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of sensors 3706 are configuredto detect light, e.g., light detection sensors. Examples of lightdetection sensors include, but are not limited to, photodiodes andphototransistors. In particular embodiments, one or more or all ofsensors 3706 may be implemented as one or more other types of sensorscapable of detecting a user. For example, one or more of sensors 3706 iscapable of detecting physical presence of a user, proximity and/ordistance of a user relative to projection device 3702 (e.g., distancebetween the user and projection device 3702), and/or one or moreattributes of a user. Examples of attributes of a user can include, butare not limited to, identity of the user, physical characteristics suchas height, whether the user wears glasses, or age. For example, one ormore or all of sensors 3706 may be implemented as a camera. In otherembodiments, sensors 3706 may include a combination of sensorsconfigured to detect light such as light intensity and/or color (e.g.,photodiodes and/or phototransistors) and/or any of the other types ofsensors capable of detecting users and/or user attributes as describedherein.

In particular arrangements, projector 3704 is implemented as an LCDprojector. In other embodiments, projector 3704 is implemented as adigital light projection (DLP) projector. In other embodiments,projector 3704 is implemented as a laser projector. Projector 3704 maybe implemented using any suitable technology. As such, the particularexamples provided are not intended as limitations of the embodimentsdescribed herein. Projector 3704 may include additional components to bedescribed herein in greater detail such as a camera to aid in thesynchronization of visuals with images displayed by projection device3702.

In the example of FIG. 37A, a computing system 3708 is coupled to asignal splitter 3710. Computing system 3708 may be any of a variety ofdifferent data processing systems as described herein including, but notlimited to, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a tablet computer.An example architecture for computing system 3708 is described inconnection with FIG. 32. In an aspect, computing system 3708 is coupledto signal splitter 3710 via a wireless connection. In another aspect,computing system 3708 is coupled to signal splitter 3710 through a wiredconnection. For example, the connection between computing system 3708and signal splitter 3710 may be a High Definition Multimedia Interface(HDMI), a Video Graphics Array (VGA), a Display Port, or a DigitalVisual Interface (DVI) wired connection.

Signal splitter 3710 is capable of receiving a video signal fromcomputing system 3708. From the received video signal, signal splitter3710 is capable of generating a first signal that is provided toprojector 3704 and a second signal that is provided to projection device3702. The first signal and the second signal may be conveyed throughwired or wireless connections (e.g., through a router or via a directwireless connection). Projector 3704, in response to the first signalreceived from signal splitter 3710, is capable of projecting one or moreimages on the projection layer of projection device 3702. Projectiondevice 3702, in response to the second signal received from signalsplitter 3710, is capable of displaying black and white, grayscale,and/or color images in coordination with the images projected fromprojector 3704. In one or more embodiments, the first signal and thesecond signal are the same so that projector 3704 projects a color imagewhile projection device 3702 generates the same image projected byprojector 3704, but in black and white, grayscale, or color so that thetwo images are substantially superposed (and aligned) upon theprojection layer of projection device 3702. In particular embodiments,signal splitter 3710 is capable of outputting the second signal as ablack and white or grayscale video signal.

In one or more embodiments, signal splitter 3710 is capable ofsynchronizing the first signal and the second signal with one another.For example, each of projector 3704 and projection device 3702 has adelay from the time that a video signal is received and the time that animage is displayed by projection device 3702 or projected in the case ofprojector 3704 after receiving the video signal. For example, operationssuch as decoding, processing, applying color, and/or masking requiretime that contributes to the delay of each respective device. The delayof projector 3704 may be the same as, or differ, from the delay ofprojection device 3702. In particular embodiments, signal splitter 3710is capable of synchronizing the signals so that projection device 3702displays images and/or frames in coordination, e.g., at substantiallythe same time, with the images and/or frames projected by projector3704. Signal splitter 3710, for example, takes into account the delay ofprojection device 3702 and the delay of projector 3704 and delays therespective signals as required to achieve coordinated synchronizedoperation.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37A is provided for purposes ofillustration and not limitation. In particular arrangements, signalsplitter 3710 is included in projector 3704. In that case, computingsystem 3708 is coupled to projector 3704. Projector 3704 is coupled toprojection device 3702 via a wired or wireless connection. Signalsplitter 3704, being located within projector 3704, splits the receivedsignal from computing system 3708 and provides the first signal to theinternal components of projector 3704 and the second signal toprojection device 3702 as described herein. The second signal providedto projection device 3702 may be sent through a wired or wirelessconnection.

In particular arrangements, signal splitter 3710 is included inprojection device 3702. In that case, computing system 3708 is coupledto projection device 3702. Projection device 3702 is coupled toprojector 3704. Signal splitter 3710, being located within projectiondevice 3702, splits the received signal from computing system 3708 andprovides the first signal to projector 3704 and the second signal to theinternal components of projection device 3702. The first signal may bewired or wireless.

FIG. 37B illustrates an example where computing system 3708 is coupledto projector 3704. Projector 3704 is capable of providing a video signalto projection device 3702. As discussed, the connections betweencomputing system 3708 and projector 3704 and between projector 3704 andprojection device 3702 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wiredand wireless connections.

FIG. 37C illustrates an example where computing system 3708 is coupledto projection device 3702. Projection device 3702 is capable ofproviding a video signal to projector 3704. As discussed, theconnections between computing system 3708 and projection device 3702 andbetween projection device 3702 and projector 3702 may be wired,wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

In one or more embodiments, the connection between projection device3702 and projector 3704 may support the exchange of control information.The control information may be sent from one device to the other inaddition to the video signal. Accordingly, in particular embodiments,projection device 3702 is capable of operating as a master whileprojector 3704 operates as a slave under control of projection device3702. In particular embodiments, projector 3704 is capable of operatingas a master while projection device 3702 operates as a slave undercontrol of projection device 3702.

In general, the master is capable of controlling operations of theslave. Example operations of the slave that can be controlled by themaster include, but are not limited to, calibration, color compensation,image placement (e.g., shifting up, down, left, right), image sizing,relocating or moving text within an image, and/or resizing text withinan image. In one or more embodiments, the master is capable ofcontrolling synchronization of signals as previously described withreference to signal splitter 3710. The master, for example, receivesvideo data from computer system 3708, performs any necessary processing,and provides a video signal and command data to the slave. In suchembodiments, e.g., as pictured in FIGS. 37B and 37C, computer system3708, or the source of the video, may communicate with only the masterdevice. Computer system 3708, for example, is unaware of the existenceof the slave since the master handles communication and control of theslave. From the perspective of computing device 3708, for example,computing device 3708 behaves as if connected to a projector.

In particular embodiments, the master and slave are capable of operatingindependently. For example, referring to FIG. 37A, each of projectiondevice 3702 and projector 3704 is capable of receiving a video signal.Still, one of projection device 3702 or projector 3704 is capable ofoperating as a master while the other operates as a slave for purposesof coordination, e.g., synchronization. For example, in FIG. 37A,projection device 3702 and projector 3704 still may communicate via awired or wireless connection to exchange command data thereby allowingthe device designated as the master to control operation, includingsynchronization and/or alignment, of the slave.

FIG. 37D illustrates an example projection system 3700 that includesmultiple projection devices 3702. For purposes of illustration, fourprojection devices 3702 are shown. It should be appreciated, however,virtually any number of projection devices 3702 may be included. In theexample of FIG. 37D, projector 3704 is capable of projecting an imagethat spans across the plurality of projection devices 3702. In theexample shown, each different projection device 3702 is capable ofcontrolling the pixels contained therein to synchronize with theimage(s) projected by projector 3704 so that each projection device 3702operates in coordination with a portion of the image that is projectedby projector 3704.

For example, projection device 3702-1 is capable of synchronizing and/oraligning with the upper left quarter of the image projected by projector3704. Projection device 3702-1, for example, is capable of displayingthe upper left quarter of the same image projected by projector 3704.Projection device 3702-2 is capable of synchronizing and/or aligningwith the upper right quarter of the image projected by projector 3704.Projection device 3702-2, for example, is capable of displaying theupper right quarter of the same image projected by projector 3704.Projection device 3702-3 is capable of synchronizing and/or aligningwith the lower left quarter of the image projected by projector 3704.Projection device 3702-3, for example, is capable of displaying thelower left quarter of the same image projected by projector 3704.Projection device 3702-4 is capable of synchronizing and/or aligningwith the lower right quarter of the image projected by projector 3704.Projection device 3702-4, for example, is capable of displaying thelower right quarter of the same image projected by projector 3704.

It should be appreciated that the particular portion of an imageprojected by projector 3704 that is displayed by a projection device3702 is determined by the number of projection devices used and thearrangement of such devices. For example, in the case where only twoprojection devices are used, each may display approximately one-half ofthe projected image.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example architecture for projector 3704 of FIG.37. In the example of FIG. 38, projector 3704 includes power circuitry3802, an optical projection system (OPS) 3804, an infrared (IR) remotereceiver (Rx) 3806, a wireless device 3808, a cooling system 3810, aprocessor 3812, optionally a camera (e.g., a sensor) 3814, a memory3818, and a user interface 3820. Power circuitry 3802 is capable ofproviding power to the various components of projector 3704. Powercircuitry 3802, for example, is capable of adapting electrical powerobtained from an electrical outlet to the particular voltage and currentrequirements of the components of projector 3704. OPS 3804 is capable ofprojecting the image(s) from projector 3704. In one example, OPS 3804can include a polarizar, an LCD panel, analyzer, and a lens or lenses.OPS 3804 may be implemented using any of a variety of optical projectiontechnologies including DLP and laser. IR remote receiver 3806 is capableof receiving IR commands from a remote control device and converting thecommands into electrical signals that are provided to processor 3812.Wireless device 3808 is included to communicate with projection device3702, signal splitter 3710, and/or computing device 3708. Wirelessdevice 3808 may be any of a variety of wireless devices as generallydescribed in connection with FIG. 32. In particular embodiments,projector 3704 includes a communication port (not shown) supportingwired communications. Examples of the communication port include, butare not limited to, an HDMI port, a VGA port, a Display Port, and a DVIport. Other examples of communication ports include, but are not limitedto, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and an Ethernet port.

Cooling system 3810 may be implemented as a fan or other suitable systemfor regulating temperature within projector 3704. Processor 3812 iscapable of processing image data received from a source for projectionusing OPS 3804 and/or image data that is obtained from camera 3814.Processor 3812 is capable of controlling operation of OPS 3804. Inparticular embodiments, processor 3812 is capable of executinginstructions stored in memory 3818. Camera 3814 is optionally included.Camera 3814 is positioned to capture image data of display device 3702,images projected onto the projection layer of display device 3702 fromprojector 3704, or both during operation. For example, camera 3814 hasthe same orientation as OPS 3804 so as to capture, within image datagenerated by camera 3814, the projected image from projector 3704 asprojected on the projection layer of projection device 3702. In one ormore embodiments, processor 3812 is capable of controlling OPS 3804 toadjust the projected image based upon the image data captured by camera3814. For example, processor 3812 is capable of processing the imagedata to detect the projected image therein and adjust the projectedimage by controlling OPS 3804. Based upon the image data obtained fromcamera 3814, for example, processor 3812 is capable of determiningwhether the image projected by projector 3704 is aligned with the imagedisplayed by projection device 3702.

For example, processor 3812 may reduce the size of the projected imagein response to detecting that the projected image expands beyond theprojection layer of projection device 3702, may increase the size of theprojected image in response to detecting that the projected image doesnot utilize the entirety of the projection layer of projection device3702, and/or adjust color, brightness, focus, and/or other suitableparameters based upon the image data captured by camera 3814. Userinterface 3820 may include one or more controls, buttons, displays, atouch interface, and/or switches for operating the various functions ofprojector 3704.

In one or more embodiments, processor 3812 is capable of executingprogram code stored in memory 3818 that causes projector 3704 to operateas a master as described herein to control operation of projectiondevice 3702. In one or more embodiments, processor 3812 is capable ofexecuting program code stored in memory 3818 that causes projector 3704to operate as a slave as described herein.

In particular embodiments, projector 3704 may be implemented as astandard, “off-the-shelf” projector. In that case, projector 3704 may beprovided with a video signal that is projected. Synchronization of theprojected image with projection device 3702 may be handled by adifferent device such as projection device 3702 and/or computer system3708.

FIG. 39 illustrates an example architecture for projection device 3702of FIG. 37. In the example of FIG. 39, projection device 3702 includespower circuitry 3902, projection layer 3904, an IR remote receiver (Rx)3906, a wireless device 3908, display controller 3910, a processor 3912,a memory 3914, and a user interface 3916. Power circuitry 3902 iscapable of providing power to the various components of projectiondevice 3702. Power circuitry 3902, for example, is capable of adaptingelectrical power obtained from an electrical outlet to the particularvoltage and current requirements of the components of projection device3702. In another example, power circuitry 3902 includes a battery and iscapable of adapting electrical power from the battery to the particularvoltage and current requirements of components of projection device3702. IR remote receiver (Rx) 3906 is capable of receiving IR commandsfrom a remote control device and converting the commands into electricalsignals that are provided to processor 3912. Wireless device 3908 isincluded to communicate with projector 3704, signal splitter 3710,and/or computing device 3708. In particular embodiments, projectiondevice 3702 includes a communication port (not shown) supporting wiredcommunications. Examples of the communication port include, but are notlimited to, an HDMI port, a VGA port, a Display Port, and a DVI port.Other examples of communication ports include, but are not limited to, aUSB port and an Ethernet port.

Processor 3912 is capable of processing image data received from asource such as signal splitter 3710, computer system 3708, and/orprojector 3704 and controlling operation of display controller 3910. Inparticular embodiments, processor 3912 is capable of executinginstructions stored in memory 3914. In one or more embodiments,processor 3912 is capable of executing program code stored in memory3914 that causes projection device 3702 to operate as a master asdescribed herein to control operation of projector 3704. In one or moreembodiments, processor 3912 is capable of executing program code storedin memory 3914 that causes projection device 3702 to operate as a slaveas described herein.

Display controller 3910 is coupled to projection layer 3904 and iscapable of controlling operation of projection layer 3904 based uponinstructions received from processor 3912. Display controller 3910, forexample, may include control and/or driver circuitry for one or morelayers, e.g., each display, used to implement projection layer 3904.User interface 3916 may include one or more controls, buttons, displays,a touch interface, and/or switches for operating the various functionsof projection device 3702. For purposes of illustration, sensors 3706are not shown in FIG. 39. As noted, however, one or more sensors of anycombination of the varieties described herein can be incorporated intoprojection device 3702 and/or within projection layer 3704.

In particular embodiments, projection layer 3904 is implemented as asingle layer. The single layer may be implemented as a display. Thedisplay is electronically controllable and includes pixels or capsules.Projection layer 3904 may be pixel addressable. In an example,projection layer 3904 is capable of displaying black, white, andgrayscale pixels. In another example, the pixels or capsules includemore than one different color particles. In particular embodiments, thedisplay is transparent. In particular embodiments, the display is nottransparent (e.g., non-transparent). For example, the display may be an“e-ink” type of display. Projection layer 3904 is capable of displayingimages synchronized with projector 3704. For example, projector 3704projects a color image that is superposed with the same image displayedby projection layer 3904.

FIG. 40 illustrates an exploded view of an example of projection layer3904. In the example of FIG. 40, projection layer 3904 includes multiplelayers. As pictured, projection layer 3904 includes layer 4002 and layer4004.

In particular embodiments, layer 4002 is an internal layer that providesa black background. Layer 4002, for example, may be implemented as adisplay that appears black or a solid black (e.g., static) surface.Layer 4004 is an external layer that is implemented as a display havingpixels that are individually addressable. In one or more embodiments,layer 4004 is implemented as a transparent display. For example, thepixels of layer 4004 are controllable to be transparent or scatter lightbased upon electronic control signals provided to the pixels fromdisplay controller 3910. For example, the pixels of layer 4004 areindividually controllable to be transparent so as to allow the blackbackground to be visible through the pixel, scatter light so as toappear white and prevent the black background from being visible, or toappear semi-transparent or grayscale by being configured to be anyintermediate step between transparent and scatter. Example types oftransparent displays include, but are not limited to, an LCD, an LCDincluding Smectic A liquid crystals, an LED display, a light enhancedlayer, or an OLED display.

Accordingly, for regions where pixels of layer 4004 are transparent,projection layer 3904 appears black. For regions where pixels of layer4004 scatter light, projection layer 3904 appears white. For regionswhere pixels of layer 4004 are at an intermediate step betweentransparent and scatter (e.g., semi-transparent), projection layer 3904appears grayscale. Projection layer 3904 displays an image in black andwhite and/or grayscale that is synchronized with the same imageprojected from projector 3704 so that the projected image from projector3704 is superposed with the image displayed on projection layer 3904.

In particular embodiments, layer 4002 is an internal layer that providesa white background. Layer 4002, for example, may be implemented as adisplay that appears white or a solid white (e.g., static) surface.Layer 4004 is an external layer that is implemented as a display havingpixels that are individually addressable. In one or more embodiments,layer 4004 is implemented as a transparent display. For example, thepixels of layer 4004 are controllable to be transparent, black, e.g.,using black dyed particles that scatter light, or any intermediate stepbetween transparent and scatter. For example, the pixels of layer 4004are individually controllable to be transparent so as to allow the whitebackground of layer 4004 to be visible through the pixels, scatter lightso as to appear black and prevent the white background of layer 4004from being visible, or to appear semi-transparent or grayscale. Exampletypes of transparent displays include, but are not limited to, an LCD,an LCD including Smectic A liquid crystals, an LED display, a lightenhanced layer, or an OLED display.

Accordingly, for regions where pixels of layer 4004 are transparent,projection layer 3904 appears white. For regions where pixels of layer4004 scatter light, projection layer 3904 appears black. For regionswhere pixels of layer 4004 are set to an intermediate step betweentransparent and scattering (e.g., semi-transparent), projection layer3904 appears grayscale. Projection layer 3904 displays an image in blackand white and/or grayscale that is synchronized with the same imageprojected from projector 3704 so that the projected image from projector3704 is substantially superposed with the image displayed on projectionlayer 3904.

In particular embodiments, projection layer 3904 includes an internallayer and two or more external layers. The internal layer may be blackor white. In one or more embodiments, the external layers aretransparent. Each of the external layers may be implemented as one ofthe different types of transparent displays described herein. One ormore or all of the external layers may be color dyed. Each externallayer, for example, may have pixels that are died a particular colorsuch that different ones of the external layers are configured withpixels of a different color. Accordingly, in particular embodiments,projection layer 3904 is capable of displaying color images insynchronization with projector 3702.

Projection layer 3904 may be implemented using any of a variety of thedisplay technologies described herein. For example, layer 4002, layer4004, and/or other external layers included in projection layer 3904 maybe implemented as a PDLC display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, an electrowetting display, suspendedparticle device, or an LCD in any of its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN,or SmA).

By controlling the color and/or transparency of pixels in the display ofprojection device 3702 in synchronization with the projection of imagesby projector 3704, black regions of the image may be projected overregions of projection layer 3904 that are controlled to absorb light;white regions of the image may be projected over regions of projectionlayer 3904 that are controlled to scatter or diffuse light; dark regionsof the image may be projected over regions of projection layer 3904 thatare controlled to appear black or dark (grayscale); and/or brighterregions of the image may be projected over regions of projection layer3904 that controlled to appear light (e.g., white or grayscale).

In particular embodiments, projection layer 3904 is capable ofdisplaying a black and white, a grayscale, or a color version of thesame image that is projected by projector 3704. Projection layer 3904 iscapable of displaying images, e.g., frames, in synchronization (e.g., intime) and/or in alignment with images projected by projector 3702 sothat the images are superposed. In this manner, projection layer 3904 iscapable of displaying video and/or still images in synchronization withimages projected by projector 3704.

In particular embodiments, processor 3912 is capable of controllingdisplay controller 3910 to control properties of projection layer 3904.For example, processor 3912 is capable of controlling and adjustinglight intensity, color, contrast, brightness, gamma, saturation, whitebalance, hue shift, and/or other imaging parameters. Processor 3912 iscapable of adjusting one or more or all of the properties to match aparticular color profile that is stored in memory 3914. For example,under control of processor 3912, display controller 3910 adjusts theamount of light that passes through one or more external layers ofprojection layer 3904 or that is reflected by one or more externallayers of projection layer 3904 at a particular time to manipulate lightintensity.

In particular embodiments, display controller 3910, under control ofprocessor 3912, is capable of adjusting properties of projection layer3904 such as refresh rate, rate of change (e.g., in transparency ofpixels and/or capsules), or other dynamic characteristics. The adjustingof properties may be synchronized to produce visual effects and/orsynchronized with the projected images from projector 3904. Examples ofvisual effects include, but are not limited to, stronger illuminationand darker blacks in a brightly lit environment.

In one or more embodiments, sensors 3706 are capable of detecting lightprojected from projector 3704. Sensors 3706 are capable of detectingintensity of light and/or the color of light projected from projector3704. In particular embodiments, projection device 3702 is capable ofadjusting and/or calibrating the projection layer of projection device3702 based upon, and in response to, data from sensors 3706 tosynchronize with projector 3704. For example, sensors 3706 are capableof detecting the edge of the projected image(s) from projector 3704,particular patterns of light from projected images from projector 3704,or a combination thereof. The detected patterns of light by sensors 3706indicate which portions of an image are detected at known locations ofprojection layer 3904 of projection device 3702. As such, projectiondevice 3702 is capable of resizing image(s) displayed on the projectionlayer to be superposed with images projected from projector 3704 basedupon data obtained from light sensors 3706 and/or adjusting theappearance of pixels of projection layer 3904 to appear darker orlighter based upon data obtained from sensors 3706 (e.g., the colorand/or intensity of light detected by light sensors 3706). In anotherexample, projection device 3702 is capable of rotating an image basedupon data from sensors 3706 to align and synchronize with the imageprojected by projector 3704.

As an illustrative and nonlimiting example, a given image projected ontoprojection device 3702 will have a known pattern of light intensityand/or color that is expected to be detected by sensors 3706 when theimage is aligned and synchronized with projection layer 3904 ofprojection device 3702. Based upon the light intensity and/or colordetected by sensors 3706, processor 3912 is capable of controlling thepixels of projection layer 3904 to align and synchronize with the imageprojected by projector 3704 as detected by sensors 3706. Processor 3912,for example, is capable of determining a direction and distance that theimage or regions of the image, as displayed by projection layer 3904 isto be shifted in order to align and synchronize with the image projectedby projector 3704. As such, projection device 3702 is capable ofcontrolling the pixels to effectuate the change, e.g., a shift in theimage displayed by the display layer.

In particular embodiments, processor 3912 is capable of generatingcommand data, as described herein, that is provided to projector 3704 tocontrol the operation thereof. For example, processor 3912 is capable ofgenerating command data to control projector 3704 to increases the sizeof the projected image, decrease the size of the projected image, and/orshift the projected image based upon the analysis of sensor dataobtained from sensors 3706.

In one or more embodiments, sensors 3706 are capable of detectingproximity and/or distance of a user in relation to projection device3702. For example, sensors 3706 may be implemented as proximity sensorsthat are capable of determining distance between projection device 3702and the user. In another example, sensors 3706 may be implemented as oneor more cameras. In that case, sensors 3706 may capture image data fromthe perspective of facing outward from the surface of projection device3702 toward projector 3704. Sensors 3706, for example, are capable ofcapturing image data that may be processed by processor 3912 to detectthat a user is present, e.g., within a predetermined distance ofprojection device 3702, one or more attributes of the user, location ofthe user relative to projection device 3702, and other information. Inparticular embodiments, processor 3912 is capable of determiningattributes of the user as described herein, perform operationsincluding, but not limited to, recognition of human beings in the imagedata (e.g., in frame), perform facial recognition to determine theidentity of users (e.g., human beings), gaze detection (e.g., thedirection that a user is looking based upon detection of the user's eyesand/or other facial features), and determine distance between the userand projection device 3702.

In particular embodiments, processor 3912 is capable of controllingpixels of projection layer 3904 based upon data obtained from sensors3706. As noted, the data may specify physical presence of a user,location of the user relative to projection device 3702, distancebetween the user and projection device 3702, and/or one or moreattributes of the user. As an illustrative and nonlimiting example,processor 3912 is capable of applying particular visual effects inresponse to detecting particular conditions in the sensor data. Forexample, in response to determining that a user is wearing glasses,processor 3912 is capable of increasing font size of text in an imagethat is to be displayed. In another example, processor 3912 is capableof increasing font size in response to determining that an age of auser, e.g., via image processing and/or facial recognition and/orfeature processing, is above a threshold age. In another example,processor 3912 is capable of applying a visual effect to the image asspecified by a preference of the user determined based upon the identityof the user. In particular embodiments, the effect can be applied inresponse to determining that the user is located at least a minimumdistance from projection device 3702. It should be appreciated that anychanges made as to the display of images or regions of images inprojection device 3702 as described herein can be propagated and/orsynchronized to projector 3704 so that projector 3704 projects an imagethat is modified in the same or like manner under control of projectiondevice 3702, e.g., as a master.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of sensors 3706 is capable ofsensing or detecting the level of ambient light and/or the color(s) ofambient light around projection device 3702. In that case, processor3912 is capable of adjusting the image that is displayed by projectiondevice 3702 based upon the detected data. For example, processor 3912 iscapable of compensating for ambient light that is determined to beyellow.

FIG. 41 illustrates an example method 4100 for implementing a projectionsystem. In one or more embodiments, method 4000 may be used to implementa projection system as described herein in connection with FIGS. 37-40.

In block 4102, a projection layer is provided. The projection layerincludes a plurality of pixels. The pixels can be electronicallycontrollable to vary appearance of at least one of the plurality ofpixels in coordination with an image projected onto the projectionlayer. The projection layer displays the image in synchronization andalignment with the image projected onto the projection layer.

In block 4104, one or more displays are provided as part of theprojection layer. In particular embodiments, the projection layer caninclude a non-transparent display. In particular embodiments, theprojection layer can include one or more transparent displaysimplemented using any of the different transparent display technologiesdescribed herein. For example, one or more of the transparent displayscan be an LCD, an LDC including Smectic A liquid crystals, an LEDdisplay, a light enhanced layer, or an OLED display.

In some embodiments, the non-emissive display includes at least onepixel of the plurality of pixels that includes dye. In some embodiments,the display includes at least pixel of the plurality of pixels that doesnot include dye and appears substantially white. In one or moreembodiments, the non-emissive display includes at least one pixel of theplurality of pixels that includes dye. The non-emissive display can beimplemented as a PDLC display, an elecrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, a polymer stabilized LCD, an electrowettingdisplay, a cholesteric LCD, or an LCD including Smectic A liquidcrystals.

In block 4106, one or more sensors are optionally provided as part ofthe projection device. In particular embodiments, the sensor is capableof detecting light. The plurality of pixels can be electronicallycontrolled and synchronized with the image projected onto the projectionlayer based, at least in part, upon the light detected by the sensor(s).

In particular embodiments, one or more of the sensors is capable ofdetecting distance between a user and the projection layer (orprojection device) are provided. The plurality of pixels can beelectronically controlled based, at least in part, upon the distancedetected by the sensor.

In particular embodiments, one or more of the sensors is capable ofdetecting one or more attributes of the user within a range of theprojection layer are provided. The plurality of pixels can beelectronically controlled based, at least in part, upon the one or moreattributes of the user detected by the sensor.

In block 4108, a projector is optionally provided. The projector iscapable of projecting the image onto the projection layer.

In block 4110, a camera is optionally provided. The camera is capable ofcapturing image data of the image projected onto the projection layer.In particular embodiments, the projector is configured to adjust theimage projected onto the projection layer based upon the image data fromthe camera.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example method 4200 of operation of a projectiondevice. In block 4202, the projection device controls pixels of theprojection layer in coordination with an image projected onto theprojection layer. For example, a plurality of pixels of the projectionlayer are controlled to vary appearance of at least one of the pluralityof pixels in coordination with an image projected onto the projectionlayer. As discussed, the plurality of pixels can be electronicallycontrollable to display the image in synchronization and alignment withthe image projected onto the projection layer.

In block 4204, the projection device optionally generates and analyzessensor information. For example, the projection device optionallydetects light using one or more sensors. In another example, theprojection device optionally detects a user and/or one or more userattributes using one or more sensors. Examples of user attributes caninclude, but are not limited to, distance between the user and theprojection device, location of the user, identity of the user, height,age, whether the user wears glasses, and/or other physicalcharacteristics of the user. As discussed, sensor information can beanalyzed, in part, using image processing.

In block 4206, the plurality of pixels can be electronically controlledbased, in part, upon the sensor information. For example, the projectiondevice is capable of detecting a distance between the projection deviceand the user using the sensor. The pixels can be electronicallycontrolled based, at least in part, upon the distance detected by thesensor. For example, images can be enlarged and/or text size can beincreased based upon the distance of the user and/or a user attributesuch as whether the user is determined to be wearing glasses (e.g.,through image processing). In another example, an image can be enlargedand/or text size can be increased in response to determining that theuser is at least a threshold distance from the projection device and/oris determined to be a minimum age.

In another example, the projection device is capable of determiningheight of the user. The projection device is capable of moving, e.g.,raising or lowering, text within an image based upon height. As anillustrative and nonlimiting example, the projection device can move thelocation of text in an image, e.g., display the text higher or lower inthe image in terms of height to match or otherwise correspond to theheight of the user so that the text is substantially aligned with theuser's eyes.

Referring to FIGS. 37-42, in one or more embodiments, display 4002and/or display 4004 is capable of including one or more pixels that donot include dye. In one or more embodiments, display 4002 and/or display4004 is capable of including one or more pixels where each pixelincludes dye. In one or more embodiments, display 4002 and/or display4004 is capable of including a plurality of pixels where only some,e.g., a subset of pixels, include dye. Further, in particularembodiments, different dyes may be used for different pixels. Forexample, display 4002 and/or display 4004 is capable of having one ormore pixels including a first dye color, one or more pixels including asecond and different dye color, etc. Display 4002 and/or display 4004 iscapable of including more than two differently dyed pixels. Display 4002and/or display 4004, for example, is capable of including one or morepixels dyed black, one or more pixels dyed white, one or more pixelsdyed silver, one or more pixels dyed red, one or more pixels dyed green,one or more pixels dyed blue, one or more pixels dyed cyan, one or morepixels dyed magenta, one or more pixels dyed yellow, or any combinationof the foregoing.

In particular embodiments, one or more of the displays of projectiondevice 3702 is row addressable or column addressable. In one or moreembodiments, one or more displays of projection device 3702 can includea single pixel that is controllable to display clear, grayscale, white,black, or a particular color. The single pixel may be sized toapproximately the size the display so that the entirety of theprojection layer is electronically controllable to be entirely anduniformly white, entirely and uniformly black, entirely and uniformlytransparent, entirely and uniformly grayscale, or entirely and uniformlya particular color. For example, the single pixel of the display can bedyed to appear black, white, silver, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, oryellow.

FIG. 43 illustrates another example display device 100 with display 110.FIG. 44 illustrates an exploded view of an example display 110 of thedisplay device of FIG. 43. Referring to both FIGS. 43 and 44, inparticular embodiments, display device 100 is configured with both frontdisplay 150 and rear display 140 being implemented as substantiallytransparent displays. In particular embodiments, front display 150 andrear display 140 are of substantially the same size and shape. In theexample of FIGS. 43-44, display device 100 does not have a solid backingor other layer behind rear display 140. Accordingly, a person viewingdisplay device 100 from the viewing cone is able to view informationpresented on front display 150 and/or rear display 140 while also beingable to see through display device 100 to view objects positioned behinddisplay device 100. Similarly, a user positioned behind display device100 is able to view content, at least partially, presented on frontdisplay 150 and/or rear display 140 while also being able to see throughdisplay device 100 to view objects positioned in front of display device100. For example, a product (e.g., a smartphone) can be showcased byplacing the product behind the display device 100, and the displaydevice 100 can show information about the product.

In particular embodiments, display 110 is capable of displayinginformation with increased contrast. Display 110 includes an additionalchannel referred to as an “alpha channel.” The alpha channel facilitatesincreased contrast in the information that is displayed on display 110.In an aspect, the alpha channel facilitates the display of black coloredpixels thereby providing increased contrast in the images that aredisplayed. In addition, the alpha channel is capable of displayingpixels ranging from clear (e.g., transparent), silver, white, black,grayscale, or other suitable color as described herein. For example,pixels of the alpha channel can be controlled to appear at leastpartially opaque. In one or more embodiments, pixels of front display150 and rear display 140 are of substantially the same size and shape.In other embodiments, the shape and/or size and/or number of the pixelsof front display 150 and rear display 140 may be different as describedherein.

In particular embodiments, front display 150 is a pixel addressabledisplay. Front display 150 can be implemented as a light modulatinglayer. Front display 150 may be an emissive display. In particularembodiments, front display 150 is a transparent OLED (TOLED) display. Inan example, the TOLED display may be driven by an active or a passivematrix and have some substantially transparent areas. In particularembodiments, front display 150 is an LCD. In an example, front display150 can correspond to an LCD formed of a polarizer, an LC panel, a colorfilter, and a polarizer. In another example, front display 150 cancorrespond to an LC panel (e.g., using ITO, LC, and ITO materials). Inparticular embodiments front display 150 can be implemented as a lightenhanced layer (e.g., a light enhancer layer). For example, frontdisplay 150 can be implemented as a QD layer. Any suitable lightmodulating layer or display with transparency can be used as frontdisplay 150.

In particular embodiments, front display 150 includes pixels capable ofgenerating red, green, and blue colors. In general, transparency isachieved by leaving gaps between the pixels as described within thisdisclosure. In this regard, TOLED display 150 is always maximallytransparent. TOLED display 150 is not capable of generating the colorblack. Instead, pixels that are intended to be black in color are shownas substantially transparent (e.g., clear). In a bright environment,TOLED display 150 provides low contrast levels due to the inability todisplay black pixels and the fact that ambient light shines throughdisplay 110. Contrast is generally measured as (brightestluminance−darkest luminance)/(average luminance). The brighter theambient light, the worse the contrast.

In particular embodiments, rear display 140 is implemented as anon-emissive display. Rear display 140 is pixel addressable. Forexample, rear display 140 may be implemented as a PDLC display, a PSLC,an electrochromic display, an electro-dispersive display, anelectrowetting display, suspended particle device, an ITO display, or anLCD in any of its phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, or SmA). Rear display140 is controllable to generate the alpha channel. The alpha channelcontrols transparency of rear display 140 and the pixel or pixelsthereof. For example, in the case where rear display 140 is pixelcontrollable to generate black pixels, transparent (e.g., clear) pixels,or any intermediate step between black and transparent (e.g.,semi-transparent), the alpha channel controls transparency to determinewhether the pixels of rear display 140 appear black in color,transparent, or a particular shade of gray. In the case where reardisplay 140 is pixel controllable to generate white pixels, transparentpixels, or varying levels of transparent pixels (e.g., semi-transparentpixels), the alpha channel controls transparency to determine whetherpixels of rear display 140 appear white in color, transparent, orsemi-transparent. In one or more embodiments, rear display 140 does notrequire the use of a color filter. In one or more embodiments, reardisplay 140 does not require a polarizer.

In particular embodiments, rear display 140 is aligned with frontdisplay 150 as described within this disclosure. For example, pixels ofrear display 140 are aligned with pixels of front display 150. As anillustrative example, pixels of rear display 140 may be superposed withpixels of front display 150. In another example, pixels of rear display140 may be superposed with substantially transparent regions of pixelsof front display 150 so as to be viewable through the substantiallytransparent regions. As such, pixels of rear display 140 arecontrollable to display substantially transparent, black, white,grayscale, or another suitable color depending upon the particulardisplay technology that is used to be viewable through the substantiallytransparent regions of pixels of front display 150. For example, reardisplay 140 is controlled to display white, black, and/or grayscalepixels aligned with selected pixels of front display 150 correspondingto the white, black, and/or grayscale regions of the image that aredisplayed as substantially transparent by pixels of front display 150(e.g., where red, green, and blue subpixels in such pixels are off).

In particular embodiments, display 110 is capable of displaying an imagethat includes one or more black regions. Rear display 140 is capable ofdisplaying the black regions by controlling pixels corresponding to theblack regions of the image to appear black. The pixels of front display150 corresponding to the black regions of the image are controlled toappear transparent. As such, the black pixels from rear display 140 arevisible when looking at the front of device 100 to generate the blackportions of the image. By displaying black pixels as opposed to usingclear pixels to represent black, the contrast of display 110 isimproved.

In particular embodiments, display 110 is capable of displaying an imagethat includes one or more white regions. Rear display 140 is capable ofdisplaying the white regions by controlling pixels corresponding to thewhite regions of the image to appear white. The pixels of front display150 corresponding to the white regions of the image are controlled toappear transparent. As such, the white pixels from rear display 140 arevisible when looking at the front of device 100 to generate the whiteportions of the image.

In particular embodiments, display 110 is capable of displaying an imagethat includes one or more grayscale regions. Rear display 140 is capableof displaying the grayscale regions by controlling pixels correspondingto the grayscale regions of the image to appear grayscale. The pixels offront display 150 corresponding to the grayscale regions of the imageare controlled to appear transparent. As such, the grayscale pixels fromrear display 140 are visible when looking at the front of device 100 togenerate the grayscale portions of the image.

In particular embodiments, rear display 140 is capable of controllingpixels to appear at least partially opaque or opaque (e.g., black,white, and/or grayscale) that are aligned with pixels of front display150 that are displaying red, green, or blue. By displaying an opaquepixel or at least partially opaque pixel in rear display 140 behind andsuperposed with a pixel of front display 150 displaying a color, reardisplay 140 blocks ambient light emanating from behind display 110 atleast with respect to the pixels that are controlled to display opaquein rear display 140. By reducing the ambient light, contrast of display110 is improved.

As an illustrative and nonlimiting example, referring to FIG. 43,portion 4302 of the image displayed on display 110 is formed by reardisplay 140 displaying image 4202 superposed with image 4404 on frontdisplay 150. The pixels of rear display 140 forming image 4402 may beblack, white, or grayscale. The pixels of image 4404 of front display150 may be any color. The pixels of rear display 140 forming image 4402block ambient light from behind display device 100 thereby providingincreased contrast for the resulting, combined image 4302 of display110.

In particular embodiments, rear display 140 is pixel addressable. Inother embodiments, rear display 140 is row addressable or columnaddressable to control transparency and provide regions configured toscatter, reflect, or absorb light. In one or more embodiments, reardisplay 140 may include a single pixel that is controllable to displayclear, grayscale, white, or black. The single pixel of rear display 140may be sized to approximately the size of rear display 140 so that theentire rear display is electronically controllable to be entirely anduniformly white, entirely and uniformly black, entirely and uniformlytransparent, or entirely and uniformly grayscale. It should beappreciated, however, that the single pixel of rear display 140 can bedyed to appear black, white, silver, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, oryellow. In some embodiments, display 110 uses side illumination or usesa frontlit in LCD configuration. In some embodiments, display 110includes a touch input layer. It should be appreciated that display 110may operate under control of a video controller and/or processor (notshown).

FIGS. 45A-43E illustrate examples of partially emissive pixels having analpha channel. In particular embodiments, partially emissive pixels 160may have any suitable shape, such as for example, square, rectangular,or circular. The example partially emissive pixels 160 illustrated inFIGS. 45A-45E have subpixels and alpha regions with variousarrangements, shapes, and sizes. In the examples of FIGS. 45A-45E, thealpha region is provided by rear display 140. Front display 150 providesthe red, green, and blue subpixels and a substantially transparentregion through which the alpha region of rear display 140 is visible.

In FIG. 45A, partially emissive pixel 160 includes three adjacentrectangular subpixels (“R,” “G,” and “B”) and an alpha region locatedbelow the three subpixels with the alpha region having approximately thesame size as the three subpixels. In FIG. 45B, partially emissive pixel160 includes three adjacent rectangular subpixels and an alpha regionlocated adjacent to the blue subpixel, the alpha region havingapproximately the same size and shape as each of the subpixels. In FIG.45C, partially emissive pixel 160 is subdivided into four quadrants withthree subpixels occupying three of the quadrants and the alpha regionlocated in a fourth quadrant. In FIG. 45D, partially emissive pixel 160has four square-shaped subpixels with the transparent region located inbetween and around the four subpixels. In FIG. 45E, partially emissivepixel 160 has four circular subpixels with the alpha region located inbetween and around the four subpixels. Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates particular partially emissive pixels havingparticular subpixels and alpha regions with particular arrangements,shapes, and sizes, this disclosure contemplates any suitable partiallyemissive pixels having any suitable subpixels and alpha regions with anysuitable arrangements, shapes, and sizes.

In particular embodiments, the pixels of rear display 140 illustrated inFIGS. 45A-45E are sized the same as, and aligned with, the clear regionsof the partially emissive pixels of front display 150. In otherembodiments, the pixels of rear display 140 illustrated in FIGS. 45A-45Eare sized the same as, and aligned with, the entire partially emissivepixels of front display 150. In that case, for example, the pixel ofrear display 140 would be sized to the area of a pixel of front display150 that includes the red, green, and blue subpixels and thesubstantially transparent region.

FIG. 46 illustrates another example implementation of display 110. Inthe example of FIG. 46, front layer 150 includes partially emissivepixels 160. In particular embodiments, the partially emissive pixels oflayer 150 include three adjacent subpixels (“R,” “G,” and “B”) shown assubpixels 4602, while the pixels of rear layer 140 provide alpha regions4604. Transparent conductive lines 4606 provide control signals for the“R,” “G,” and “B” subpixels 4602 of front display 150.

As discussed with reference to FIG. 45, the alpha region is generated byrear display 140 and is visible through the clear regions of thepartially emissive pixels of front display 150. In the example of FIG.46, subpixels 4602 are OLEDs. Alpha regions 4604 are configurable todisplay transparent, black, grayscale, or white depending upon theparticular implementation of rear display 140. In the example of FIG.46, alpha region 4604-1 is configured to display white or appear asopaque. Alpha region 4604-2 is configured to display black or absorblight. The example of FIG. 46 illustrates that front display 150, beinga TOLED display, need not incorporate a fixed black mask allowing frontdisplay 150 to achieve a higher degree of transparency than other TOLEDdisplays while still providing increased contrast.

In particular embodiments, referring to FIGS. 43-44, when a white(black) region of an image is to be displayed by display 110, the pixelsof rear display 140 corresponding to the white (black) region arecontrolled to appear white (black). The pixels of front display 150corresponding to the white (black) region are controlled so that the“R,” “G,” and “B” subpixels are turned off. In particular embodiments,referring to FIGS. 43-44, the transparency of pixels of rear display 140corresponding to a selected region of an image are controlled to appearas white, grayscale, black or another color so as to block or at leastpartially block ambient light. The pixels of front display 150corresponding to the selected region of the image are controlled so thatthe “R,” “G,” and “B” subpixels are turned on as appropriate to generatethe intended color. Further, the amount of substantially transparentregions used may be changed based upon the application or use of display110 to achieve the desired transparency and pixel density.

FIG. 47 illustrates an exploded view of an example display deviceincluding a camera. In the example of FIG. 47, display device 100includes a camera 4702. Camera 4702 is capable of capturing imagesand/or video (hereafter collectively referred to as “image data”).Camera 4702 may be mounted in the case or housing of display device 100and face outward into the viewing cone in front of front display 150 asdescribed in connection with FIG. 5.

Camera 4702 is coupled to memory 4704. Memory 4704 is coupled to aprocessor 4706. Examples of memory and a processor are described hereinin connection with FIG. 32. In an aspect, memory 4704 may be implementedas a local memory configured to store instructions and data such asimage data from camera 4702. Processor 4706 is capable of executing theinstructions stored in memory 4704 to initiate operations forcontrolling transparency of the pixels of the transparent display (e.g.,rear display 140) and the addressable regions of the partially emissivepixels of the transparent color display (e.g., front display 150).

Processor 4706 is capable of executing the instructions stored in memory4702 to analyze the image data. In particular embodiments, processor4706 is capable of detecting a gaze of a person in the viewing cone fromthe image data and determining a see-through overlap of the pixels offront display 150 with the pixels of rear display 140 based upon thegaze or angle of the gaze of the user relative to the surface of display110. Processor 4706 is capable of adjusting the transparency of one ormore or all of the pixels of rear display 140 and/or adjusting theaddressable regions of one or more or all of the partially emissivepixels of front display 150 in response to the determined see-throughoverlap. For example, by adjusting transparency of pixels of reardisplay 140 and/or addressable regions of partially emissive pixels offront display 150 as described, processor 4706 is capable synchronizingoperation of rear display 140 with front display 150 so that regions ofany image displayed by each respective display are aligned with respectto the viewing angle (e.g., gaze) of the user. Processor 4706 is capableof dynamically adjusting the images as displayed on rear display 140 andfront display 150 for purposes of alignment along the changing viewingangle (e.g., gaze) of the user over time.

For example, processor 4706 is capable of performing object recognitionon the image data to detect a human being or user within the image data.In an aspect, processor 4706 detects the face of a user and recognizesfeatures such as the eyes. Processor 4706 is capable of determining thedirection of the user's gaze relative to display 110. Based upon thedirection of the user's gaze, processor 4704 is capable of determiningthe see-through overlap of pixels of front display 150 over pixels ofrear display 140.

The example embodiments described herein facilitate increased contrastin displays by blocking ambient light and/or generating black pixels.The ability to increase contrast as described means that front display150, e.g., the transparent color display, is able to operate with alower degree of brightness. For example, front display 150 is able toreduce the amount of current carried in the lines that drive the “R,”“G,” and “B” subpixels. The reduction in current needed to drive display110 facilitates improved scalability in panel size, improved lifetime ofdisplay 110, and helps to reduce eye strain experienced by the user.

Referring to FIGS. 43-47, in one or more embodiments, rear display 140is capable of including one or more pixels that do not include dye. Inone or more embodiments, rear display 140 is capable of including one ormore pixels where each pixel includes dye. In one or more embodiments,rear display 140 is capable of including a plurality of pixels whereonly some, e.g., a subset of pixels of rear display 140, include dye.Further, in particular embodiments, different dyes may be used fordifferent pixels. For example, rear display 140 is capable of having oneor more pixels including a first dye color, one or more pixels includinga second and different dye color, etc. Rear display 140 can include morethan two differently dyed pixels. Rear display 140, for example, iscapable of including one or more pixels dyed black, one or more pixelsdyed white, one or more pixels dyed silver, one or more pixels dyed red,one or more pixels dyed green, one or more pixels dyed blue, one or morepixels dyed cyan, one or more pixels dyed magenta, one or more pixelsdyed yellow, or any combination of the foregoing.

Rear display 140 is capable of displaying one or more different coloredregions of an image emitted by front display 150 depending upon theparticular color of the pixel(s) displayed or visible behind pixels(e.g., partially emissive pixels) of front display 150 when such pixelsof front display 150 are controlled to appear transparent (e.g., clear).Rear display 140 is further capable of displaying different coloredpixels (e.g., at least partially opaque) behind, e.g., superposed, withpixels of front display 150 that are controlled to display color. Inthis regard, the alpha channel may be implemented using one or morepixels that are dyed or not dyed. The dyed pixel(s) can include pixelsdyed black, white, silver, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow, orany combination of dyed pixels.

Display 110, configured as described in connection with FIGS. 43-47, iscapable of displaying images that include colors from transparent toblack or transparent to white by varying the transparency of pixels ofrear display 140 on a per-pixel basis. Display 110, as described inconnection with FIGS. 43-47, may be incorporated within any of a varietyof different devices, apparatus, or systems. Example devices that mayinclude display 110 include, but are not limited to, a tablet computer;a mobile phone; a large format display; a public display; a window; alaptop computer; a camera; a see-through display; a head-mounteddisplay; a heads-up display; virtual reality equipment such as goggles,headsets, glasses, mobile phones, and tablet computers; augmentedreality equipment such as headsets, glasses, mobile phones, and tabletcomputers; and other suitable devices.

FIG. 48 illustrates an example method 4800 for implementing a display.In one or more embodiments, method 4800 is used to implement a displayas described herein in connection with FIGS. 43-47.

In block 4802, a first transparent display is provided. The firsttransparent display, for example, can be manufactured to include aplurality of pixels. The transparency of each of the plurality of pixelsof the first display can be electronically controlled. In one or moreembodiments, the plurality of pixels of the first transparent displayare electronically controllable to display as clear, white, grayscale,or black.

In block 4804, a second transparent display is provided. In one or moreembodiments, the second transparent display can be manufactured to emitan image. In example embodiments, the second transparent display ispositioned in front of the first transparent display. In particularembodiments, the second transparent display is a color transparentdisplay. In an aspect, the second transparent display includes aplurality of partially emissive pixels, wherein each partially emissivepixel has an addressable region and a clear region.

In one or more embodiments, the second transparent display is anemissive display and the first transparent display is a non-emissivedisplay. For example, the non-emissive display can be apolymer-dispersed liquid crystal display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, or an electrowetting display. The emissivedisplay can be a liquid-crystal display, a light-emitting diode display,or an organic light-emitting diode display. In a particular example, theemissive display is a transparent organic light emitting diode displayand the non-emissive display is an electrophoretic display. In anotherexample, the emissive display is a transparent light emitting diodedisplay and the non-emissive display is a liquid crystal displayincluding Smectic A liquid crystals.

In block 4806, a device including the first transparent display and thesecond transparent display displays an image or series of images. In oneor more embodiments, black regions of the image are shown by havingregions of the second transparent display corresponding to the blackregions of the image be transparent and regions of the first transparentdisplay corresponding to the black regions of the image appear black. Inone or more embodiments, the image is displayed where regions of thesecond transparent display corresponding to colored regions of the imagedisplay colors and regions of the first transparent displaycorresponding to the colored regions appear opaque. The operationsdescribed for displaying colored regions of the image may be performedsimultaneously with the operations for displaying black regions of theimage.

In particular embodiments, the pixels of the first transparent displayare aligned with the partially emissive pixels of the second transparentdisplay and are viewable through the clear regions of the partiallyemissive pixels of the second transparent display.

In block 4808, a memory and a processor are optionally provided. Thememory is capable of storing instructions. The processor is coupled tothe memory. In response to executing the instructions, the processor iscapable of initiating operations for controlling transparency of thepixels of the first transparent display and the addressable regions ofthe partially emissive pixels of the second transparent display.

In one or more embodiments, a camera is optionally provided. Forexample, the camera is capable of generating image data for a viewingcone in front of the second transparent display. As noted, the secondtransparent display may be positioned in front of the first transparentdisplay. The processor, for example, is capable of analyzing the imagedata and detecting a gaze of a person in the viewing cone from the imagedata. The processor further is capable of determining a see-throughoverlap of the pixels of the second transparent display with the pixelsof the first transparent display based upon the gaze of the user or alocation of the user.

In particular embodiments, the processor is capable of adjusting pixelsof the first transparent display and/or pixels of the second transparentdisplay based upon the see-through overlap. For example, the processoris capable of aligning the regions of the image displayed by the firsttransparent display with the corresponding regions of the imagedisplayed by the second transparent display given the see-throughoverlap (e.g., angle of the user's gaze and/or location relative to thedisplays).

In illustration, the first transparent display and the secondtransparent display may be substantially parallel to one another (e.g.,as pictured in FIG. 44). In an operating mode, with the firsttransparent display and the second transparent display beingsubstantially aligned, regions (of an image) displayed by the firsttransparent display are aligned with corresponding regions (of the sameimage) displayed by the second transparent display. The processor iscapable of shifting the regions displayed by the first display and/orthe corresponding regions of the same image displayed by the secondtransparent display to align when viewed from the viewing angle (e.g., achanging viewing angle) of the user.

FIG. 49 illustrates an example method 4900 for operation of a display.In one or more embodiments, the display is implemented as the exampledisplay described in connection with FIGS. 43-47.

In block 4902, an image to be displayed on a device is received. Thedevice is capable of receiving the image from a camera of the device,from other circuitry of the device, from a source external to thedevice, from memory of the device, or in response to a processor of thedevice executing instructions. The device can include a firsttransparent display and a second transparent display. The firsttransparent display can include a plurality of pixels, whereintransparency of each of the plurality of pixels is electronicallycontrolled. The second transparent display is capable of emitting animage.

In one or more embodiments, the second transparent display is a colortransparent display. In particular embodiments, the second transparentdisplay is positioned in front of the first transparent display.

In block 4904, the image is displayed on the device. In one or moreembodiments, black regions of the image are shown by having regions ofthe second transparent display corresponding to the black regions of theimage be transparent, and by having regions of the first transparentdisplay corresponding to the black regions of the image appear black. Inone or more embodiments, regions of the second transparent displaycorresponding to colored regions of the image display colors and regionsof the first transparent display corresponding to the colored regionsappear opaque. The operations described for displaying color regions ofthe image may be performed simultaneously with the operations fordisplaying black regions of the image.

In block 4906, a see-through overlap is optionally determined. Forexample, a processor is capable of determining the see-through overlapof the pixels of the second transparent display with the pixels of thefirst transparent display. The see-through overlap may be determinedusing image processing by detecting the viewing angle and/or gaze of auser from image data captured by a camera that may be incorporated intothe device. The see-through overlap indicates whether the regions of theimage displayed by the first transparent display are aligned with theregions of the same image displayed by the second transparent displaygiven the viewing angle (e.g., gaze and/or location) of the user.

In block 4908, one or more pixels of the first display and/or the seconddisplay are optionally adjusted based upon the see-through overlap. Inone or more embodiments, the second transparent display includes aplurality of pixels, wherein transparency of each of the plurality ofpixels of the second transparent display is electronically controlled.In that case, a processor of the device is capable of adjustingtransparency of one or more or all of the pixels of the firsttransparent display based upon the see-through overlap. In one or moreother embodiments, a processor of the device is capable of adjustingappearance (e.g., color and/or transparency) of one or more or all ofthe pixels of the second transparent display based upon the see-throughoverlap. It should be appreciated that the processor is capable ofadjusting one or more or all pixels of both the first transparentdisplay and the second transparent display concurrently based upon thesee-through overlap. For example, the processor is capable of adjustingthe pixels as described so that regions of an image displayed by thefirst transparent display are aligned with corresponding regions of thesame image displayed by the second transparent display given the viewingangle and/or location of the user relative to the device.

FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded view of another example display 110. Inthe example of FIG. 50, a first display such as rear display 140 isshown with a second display such as front display 150. In the example ofFIG. 50, rear display 140 and front display 150 are aligned as describedwithin this disclosure. For example, the pixels of front display 150 andrear display 140 may be aligned so that their borders are situateddirectly over or under one another and/or so that the transparentregions of pixels of one display are superposed with the addressableregions of pixels of the other display, and vice versa.

Rear display 140 may be implemented as a color display. For example,rear display 140 may be implemented as any suitable light emitting(e.g., emissive) or light modulating layer. Example implementations ofrear display 140 include, but are not limited to, LCD, a light emittingdiode display, a light enhanced layer, OLED, and QD. Rear display 140 iscapable of either emitting light or modulating a light source such as abacklight to produce an image. Rear display 140 may or may not betransparent.

Front display 150 is implemented as a transparent display that iscapable of selectively diffusing light from rear display 140. Forexample, front display 150 is capable of diffusing light associated withan image as produced by rear display 140. Front display 150 is capableof scattering ambient light or diffusing light from rear display 140 toproduce visual effects. Example implementations of front display 150include, but are not limited to, a PDLC display, a PSLC display, anelectrochromic display, an electro-dispersive display, an electrowettingdisplay, suspended particle device, an ITO display, or an LCD in any ofits phases (e.g., nematic, TN, STN, Cholesteric, SmA, SmB, SmC) or anyLC displays. Display 110 may also include a touch sensitive layer.

In particular embodiments, front display 150 includes one or morereflective, transflective, or emissive display layers. Front display 150is capable of operating as a diffuser to facilitate the creation of anyof a variety of visual effects such as blurring and white colorenhancement or other color enhancement. Examples of different types ofblurring effects can include, but are not limited to, vignetting, speed,motion, depth, a highlight layer, a privacy filter, a transition, aframe, censorship, block, or texturing.

In particular embodiments, display 110 uses a light emitting or lightmodulating display as rear display 140, front display 150 as described,and incorporate frontlighting. In particular embodiments, display 110uses a light emitting or light modulating display as rear display 140,front display 150 as described, and incorporates backlighting. In one ormore embodiments where backlighting or frontlighting is used, device 110includes side illumination. Display 110 may include a touch sensitivelayer whether frontlighting, backlighting, and/or side illumination isused.

In particular embodiments, a spacer 5002 is optionally included withindisplay 110. Addition of spacer 5002 is operable to increase the amountof scattering generated by front display 150. For example, spacer 5002may be adjustable to change the distance between rear display 140 andfront display 150. Spacer 5002 can be disposed between rear display 140and front display 150. For example, one or more spacers 502 can becoupled to the tops of displays 140 and 150, coupled to one or bothsides of displays 140 and 150, coupled to the bottom of displays 140 and150, or on any combination of the edges of the displays. Display 110 mayinclude one or more of spacers 5002. In particular embodiments, spacer5002 is electronically or mechanically controlled. By further changingthe distance between rear display 140 and front display 150, the amountof scattering produced by front display 150 may be increased ordecreased. For example, increasing the distance between rear display 140and front display 150 increases the amount of scattering produced byfront display 150.

Display 110 is capable of operating in a plurality of different modes.In a first mode, rear display 140 is on and displays color images whilefront display 150 is transparent. In a second mode, rear display 140 isin an off state while front display 150, which may include a bistabledisplay layer, is capable of displaying an image or any informationwhile consuming little power. In a third, or “ambient,” mode, display110 is capable of enhancing white color by diffusing ambient light usingfront display 150. In a fourth, or “backlight,” mode, display 110 iscapable of enhancing colors such as black, white, silver (e.g., TiO2),red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow by diffusing ambient lightwhile also generating pixels of the color being enhanced using reardisplay 140. In a fifth mode, display 110 is capable of generating ablurring effect by using front display 150 to diffuse pixels of reardisplay 140.

In the example of FIG. 50, front display 150 is configured to display aframe 5004 that appears white using a blurring effect. Region 5006 offront display 150 is transparent so that a person is able to viewcontent displayed on rear display 140 directly behind transparent region5006 of front display 150. For example, the word “Hello” is displayed byrear display 140 and is visible through transparent region 5006 of frontdisplay 150 with frame 5004 surrounding the content.

In the example of FIG. 50, processor 5008 and memory 5010 are included.Processor 5008 is configured to control operation of rear display 140and front display 150. In one or more embodiments, processor 5008 iscapable of controlling display 110 through a display controller and/orother driver circuitry (not shown). In one or more embodiments,processor 5008 and/or memory 5010 are part of a display controller.Processor 5008 is capable of initiating the various modes of operationof display 110 described herein. In particular embodiments, display 110is capable of operating in the ambient mode where rear display 140 iscapable of emitting or modulating light to produce an image undercontrol of processor 5008 while front display 150 is operative toscatter ambient light and diffuse light from rear display 140 undercontrol of processor 5008. Processor 5008 is capable of controlling reardisplay 140 and front display 150 to operate in coordination aspreviously described to produce one or more of the visual effects and/orimplement any of the various modes of operation described herein.

In particular embodiments, display 110 operates in the backlight modewhere front display 150 is operative to enhance white color by diffusingambient light in regions and/or pixels aligned with regions and/orpixels of rear display 140 that appear white. By using both rear display140 and front display 150 to generate white pixels, the amount of powerused by display 110 to generate pixels appearing white is reduced sinceless current is required to drive the white pixels of rear display 140particularly in bright light environments. The ability to display whitecolor without using bright white pixels from rear display 140 furtherhelps to reduce eye strain for users in low light environments.

In particular embodiments, processor 5008 is capable of receiving asignal specifying image data that may be stored in memory 5010. Theimage data includes information embedded therein as another layer,channel, tag, or metadata. The embedded information encodes theparticular visual effects that are to be implemented by display 110 intime with the image data that is also displayed by display 110. In anaspect, the embedded information is obtained or read by processor 5008from image data to implement the particular visual effects specified bythe embedded information. The embedded information, for example, may beconsidered a separate channel such as a diffusion or scatter channelthat is separate from the channel providing RGB information. In responseto reading the embedded information, processor 5008 controls frontdisplay 150 and/or rear display 140 to create the visual effectsspecified by the embedded information. Processor 5008 is capable ofcontrolling rear display 140 and front display 150 to operate insynchronization and/or alignment with one another.

In particular embodiments, processor 5008 is capable of performing imageprocessing on image data obtained from received signals. Processor 5008is capable of detecting particular conditions in the image data thatcause processor 5008 to initiate or implement particular visual effectsand/or modes of operation. In this manner, processor 5008 is capable ofprocessing the received video signal to determine when to activate thescattering layer, e.g., front display 150. As an illustrative andnonlimiting example, front display 150 may be controlled to betransparent or substantially transparent. Processor 5008, for example,is capable of dynamically activating front display 150 to diffuse lightin response to detecting pre-determined conditions from image data,sensor data, or a combination of image data and sensor data in realtime. In general, the conditions refer to attributes of the content ofthe image data and/or sensor data as opposed to other informationcarried in the received signal or embedded in the image data (e.g., asopposed to the scatter channel).

As an illustrative and nonlimiting example, processor 5008 is capable ofanalyzing image data using image processing to detect inappropriatecontent. For example, processor 5008 may detect inappropriate content byperforming optical character recognition or other object identificationor by comparing images specified by video signals with an image libraryincluding image of inappropriate content that can be matched to areceived signal. In such cases, processor 5008 may implement acensorship or blocking effect, e.g., a blurring effect, by controllingoperation of front display 150 to hide or mask the entirety of reardisplay 140 or the regions of rear display 140 determined to displayinappropriate content. Processor 5008 is capable of determining thelocation of regions or text and/or shape of regions or text in the imagethat are to be blurred or otherwise masked. Processor 5008 is capable ofcontrolling pixels of front display 150 to blur the determined regionsemitted by rear display 140. In another example, processor 5008 iscapable of identifying regions of white within image data in real timeand/or substantially real time and controlling front display 150 and/orrear display 140 to enhance such regions when displayed on display 110.In another example, processor 4204 is capable of detecting certainpatterns or textures within image data in real time and/or substantiallyreal time and controlling front display 150 to enhance the patterns ortextures.

By detecting content of an image and/or video signal using processor5008 and applying effects using front display 150 based upon and/or inresponse to the detected content, the original content need not bemodified. In other words, the embodiments described herein candynamically perform the operations described when a conventional videosignal is received by applying the image processing described herein andapplying the visual effects using front display 150.

In one or more embodiments, processor 5008 is capable of detectingembedded information in a received signal or embedded in image datawhile also dynamically applying visual effects based upon any otherconditions detected within the image data and/or based upon sensor data.

In particular embodiments, a user interface is provided. The userinterface may be included with display 110 and/or generated anddisplayed on display 110, may include one or more buttons or switches,and/or a touch interface. Through the user interface, a user is able toconfigure aspects of operation of display 110. Examples of operationsthat the user is able to configure through the user interface include,but are not limited to, activation or deactivation of front display 150,selecting a source for generating visual effects, specifying theparticular visual effects that can be used or are to be used, andspecifying a strength or amount of one or more or each of the visualeffects. With regard to source selection, for example, the user is ableto specify whether visual effects are to be applied based upon tag(s) orother embedded information in the image data, based upon imageprocessing (e.g., dynamically), sensor data, or any combination thereof.

Display 110, as described with reference to FIG. 50, may be incorporatedinto, or used within, any of a variety of different devices, apparatus,or systems. For example, display 110 may be used to implementtelevisions, public displays, monitors, mobile phones, tablet computers,electronic readers, advertising panels, wearable devices, digitalcameras, heads-up displays, and transparent displays.

FIG. 51 illustrates another example display 110. In the example of FIG.51, signal 5102 conveys scattering information (e.g., a scatter channel)to driver circuitry 5104. Driver circuitry controls operation of frontdisplay 150. More particularly, driver circuitry 5104 is capable ofdecoding the scattering information from signal 5102 and controlling theindividual pixels of front display 150 based upon signal 5102. Signal5106 conveys red, green, and blue video data to driver circuitry 5108.Driver circuitry 5108 controls operation of rear display 140. Drivercircuitry 5108 is capable of decoding signal 5106 and controlling theindividual pixels of read display 140 based upon signal 5106. Aspictured, front display 150 is capable of diffusing red, green, and bluelight emitted from rear display 140.

FIG. 52 illustrates another example display 110. For purposes ofillustration, driver circuitry 5104 and driver circuitry 5108 are notshown. In the example of FIG. 52, processor 5008 is included and iscapable of processing signal 5106. For example, processor 5008 may beimplemented as an image processor. Processor 5008 is capable ofoutputting signal 5106 to rear display 140 (e.g., by way of drivercircuitry). Further, processor 5008 is capable of generating, orderiving, signal 5102 from signal 5106 and providing signal 5102 tofront display 150 (e.g., by way of driver circuitry).

In one or more embodiments, processor 5008 is capable of extractingembedded data from signal 5106 and generating signal 5102 from theembedded data. As discussed, the embedded data can indicate theparticular types of effects and/or modes of operation such as contrastenhancement and/or color enhancement to be performed. Processor 5008 iscapable of encoding such data as signal 5102. In particular embodiments,processor 5008 is capable of analyzing content of signal 5106 and/orsensor data to determine the particular types of effects and/or modes ofoperation to be performed. Processor 5008 generates signal 5102, whichencodes such operations and controls operation of the pixels of frontdisplay 150 to implement the effects and/or modes of operation describedherein.

FIG. 53 illustrates another example display 110. In the example of FIG.53, one or more sensors 3706 are included. One or more sensors 3706 maybe included at an edge of the front display 150, dispersed throughoutfront display 150, in one or more locations in the housing of display110, or on other suitable locations. Sensors 3706 may be included in orat any suitable location within display 110. As discussed, in particularembodiments, one or more of sensors 3706 is configured to detect light.Examples of sensors that detect light include, but are not limited to,photodiodes and phototransistors. In particular embodiments, one or moreor all of sensors 3706 may be implemented as other types of sensorscapable of detecting physical presence of a user, proximity and/ordistance of a user to display 110, identity of a user, location of auser, and/or any of the various attributes of a user described herein.For example, one or more or all of sensors 3706 may be implemented as acamera. In other embodiments, sensors 3706 may include a combination ofsensors configured to detect light such as light intensity and/or color(e.g., photodiodes and/or phototransistors) and other types of sensorscapable of detecting users, proximity of users, and/or identity ofusers.

In one or more embodiments, processor 5008 is capable of operating onsensor data generated by sensor 3706. Processor 5008 is capable ofmodifying signal 5102 and/or signal 5104 based, at least in part, uponthe sensor data obtained from sensor 3706. In particular embodimentsprocessor 5008 is capable of detecting a level of ambient light fromsensor 3706. Processor 5008 is capable of activating rear display 150 toso that selected pixels of front display 150 are no longer transparentand, instead, diffuse light based upon a detected level of ambientlight. The selected pixels can diffuse light to implement colorenhancement. For example, in response to detecting a threshold level oramount of ambient light, processor 5008 is capable of controlling frontdisplay 150 to diffuse light in selected regions, e.g., regions whererear display 140 appears white. Accordingly, in environments with highambient light, display 110 is capable of providing increased contrastthrough color enhancement.

For example, processor 5008 is capable of controlling pixels of frontdisplay 150 based upon image luminance of the image emitted by reardisplay 140. In regions of front display 150 that are superposed withregions of rear display 140 having a mean image luminance greater than athreshold amount, processor 5008 is capable of causing the pixels offront display 150 to scatter light. Further, processor 5008 is capableof controlling the amount of scattering provided by the pixels of frontdisplay 150. In one or more embodiments, for example, regions of animage displayed by rear display 140 that have an image luminance above athreshold image luminance are detected. These regions may be whiteregions of an image including, but not limited to, white text orlettering. By diffusing light using display 150 in regions with imageluminance exceeding a threshold image luminance, display 110 becomeseasier to read through increased contrast in high ambient lightconditions.

In the case of the color white, for example, processor 5008 is capableof performing white enhancement by controlling pixels in front display150 that are aligned with regions of the image displayed by rear display140 that appear white to diffuse light, thereby enhancing the whitecolor of the displayed image and increasing contrast of display 110. Apixel of front display 150, for example, that is configured to scatterlight, also scatters ambient light. In such configurations, the higherthe level of ambient light, the greater the contrast produced bydiffusing light using pixels of front display 150 that are superposed oraligned with the white regions (e.g., pixels) of the image generated byrear display 140 that appear white.

In particular embodiments, when performing white enhancement asdescribed above in high ambient light environments, e.g., when theambient light level exceeds a threshold as determined from the sensordata, processor 5008 is also capable of reducing the power and amount oflight generated by rear display 140. For example, processor 5008 iscapable of reducing the amount of light generated and/or backlight whenrear display 140 is an LCD or an OLED display while still achievingsufficient or increased contrast.

In particular embodiments, one or more front displays 150 may beincluded where one or more of the different front displays 150 is dyedusing a different color. For example, one of front displays 150 iscapable of enhancing white. Another one of front displays 150 can havepixels with red dye so that the red dyed front display is capable ofenhancing red. In the color enhancement mode, for example, the whitefront display 150 is controlled to diffuse light in regions of the frontdisplay that are superposed with regions of the image displayed by reardisplay 140 that appear white, thereby enhancing the white regions ofthe image through increased contrast. The front display 150 with red dyeis controlled to diffuse light in regions of the front display that aresuperposed with regions of the image that appear red as displayed byrear display 140, thereby enhancing the red regions of the image.Additional ones of front display 150 can be added to enhance additionalcolors, e.g., green, blue, magenta, yellow, and black.

In general, referring to FIGS. 50-53, color enhancement refers to thesituation where rear display 140 displays an image and front display150, being a selected color, applies diffusion to regions of the imagegenerated by rear display 140 that appear as the selected color. Forexample, white color enhancement can be implemented by controllingpixels of front display 150 to diffuse light (e.g., no longer betransparent, where pixels of front display 150 appear white) in regionsof front display 150 that are aligned or superposed with regions of reardisplay 140 that appear white. For example, green (or another color)color enhancement can be implemented by controlling pixels of frontdisplay 150 to diffuse light (e.g., where pixels of front display aredyed green) in regions of front display 150 that are aligned orsuperposed with regions of rear display 140 that appear green.

Scattering refers to diffusing light using front display 150, where thepixels controlled to scatter light are not coordinated with like colorregions from rear display 140. In should be appreciated that largeramounts of scattering can be achieved by stacking additional ones offront display 150 so that multiple ones of front display 150 can becontrolled to scatter light in aligned regions or pixels.

FIGS. 54A-54L illustrate examples of visual effects that can beimplemented by display 110 as described in connection with FIGS. 50-53.FIG. 54A illustrates an example of scattering implemented by frontdisplay 150. In the example of FIG. 54A, display 150 scatters light togenerate a blurring effect. The blurring effect is used to create avignette 5402 (e.g., perform vignetting) over image 5404 displayed byrear display 140. Vignette 5402, in this example, appears white andopaque near the edges of display 110 and begins to exhibit increasingtransparency moving toward the center of display 110 so as to allowimage 5404 to be visible.

In one or more embodiments, vignette 5402 may be implemented by frontdisplay 150 in response to the processor decoding information from asignal that conveys scattering information. In one or more embodiments,the processor is capable of performing image processing on the receivedvideo signal to analyze the content of image 5404 and dynamically applythe visual effect in response to the image processing. In this example,the processor is capable of recognizing a landscape and, in responsethereto, invoke blurring to create vignette 5402.

FIG. 54B illustrates an example of scattering light using front display150 to create a speed or a motion effect for the image displayed by reardisplay 140. In FIG. 54B, the image displayed by rear display 140 is infocus or clear. Front display 150 is operative to scatter light inparticular regions of the image displayed by rear display 140 to createthe motion effect illustrated in FIG. 54B. As an illustrative example,processor 5008 is capable of performing optical flow detection toidentify regions of an image in rapid motion. Using the known locationsof the regions in the image with rapid motion (e.g., from frame toframe), processor 5008 causes pixels of front display 150 that aresuperposed with the regions determined to have rapid motion as displayedby rear display 140 to scatter light.

FIG. 54C illustrates an example of scattering light as implemented byfront display 150 to apply a blurring effect to selected regions. Theblurring effect creates a depth effect over the image displayed by reardisplay 140. In the example of FIG. 54C, for regions that are displayedby rear display 140 that include an object 5406 or imagery positionedcloser in the field of view (e.g., in the foreground), front display 150is controlled to be transparent. For regions that are displayed by reardisplay 140 that include objects, such as object 5408, or imagerypositioned farther away in the field of view (e.g., in the background),front display 150 is controlled to apply blurring. For example, frontdisplay 150 is controllable to apply increasing blurring to objects thatare farther away in the field of view. The blurring effect can begraduated to increase with increasing distance in the field of view fromobject 5406.

In one or more embodiments, the blurring effect is specified by a signalconveying scattering information. In one or more other embodiments,processor 5008 is capable of performing image processing and applyingthe blurring effect dynamically in response to determining that theimage meets one or more conditions. In one example, processor 5008 iscapable of determining that an object in the image, e.g., object 5406,takes up more than a threshold percentage of the field of view shown inthe image. In that case, processor 5008 is capable of automaticallyapplying the blurring described or another effect such as the vignetteshown in FIG. 54A.

As illustrative and nonlimiting examples, processor 5008 is capable ofapplying an effect using front display 150 in response to detecting aportrait image, a landscape, an image of a food item, or the like. Inperforming image processing, processor 5008 is capable of performingoperations including, but not limited to, object recognition, facialdetection and/or recognition, detecting objects by comparing the imagewith a reference image database, performing optical characterrecognition and/or comparing detected text with a dictionary of terms.In response to detecting objects using the techniques described,processor 5008 is capable of causing front display 150 to apply one ormore visual effects to the recognized objects.

FIG. 54D illustrates an example of scattering performed by front display150 to implement a privacy filter effect. In the example of FIG. 54D,rear display 140 displays an image and front display 150 creates aprivacy effect by scattering light in regions 5410 and 5412 so as toobscure the faces and/or identity of the persons shown in the image. Theprivacy filter effect of front display 150 is superposed over theregions of rear display 140 to be blurred. The effect illustrated inFIG. 54D may also be used as a censorship effect to mask or hideinappropriate content including portions of text.

In one or more embodiments, processor 5008 determines the regions towhich the privacy filter is applied based upon scattering informationreceived on a separate channel and/or embedded within a received videosignal. In one or more other embodiments, processor 5008 recognizes theobjects to which the privacy filters are to be applied in the imagedynamically through image processing and applies the privacy filter(s)in response to recognizing the objects.

FIG. 54E illustrates an example of blurring and white enhancement togenerate a layer effect. In the example of FIG. 54E, rear display 140displays an image and front display 150 generates a layer atop of theimage. The layer generated by front display 150, for example, usesblurring to create a blurred region 5414 that can include one or moregraphics or touch controls (generated as white opaque pixels) such astext 5416. Front display 150 further may include a substantiallytransparent sub-region 5418 through which the image shown by reardisplay 140 is viewable.

FIGS. 54F-54H illustrate an example of applying scattering using frontdisplay 150 to create a transition and/or white enhancement effect. Thetransition effect is illustrated moving from FIG. 54F, to FIG. 54G, toFIG. 54H. The blurring and/or white enhancement generated by frontdisplay 150 can be adjusted over time to synchronize with a changingimage or imagery displayed by rear display 150 to create a transitioneffect or motion effect.

FIG. 54I illustrates an example of applying scattering using frontdisplay 150 to create a frame effect. The frame effect is similar to thevignette effect described in connection with FIG. 54A. In the case ofthe frame effect, front display 150 is controlled to generate sharperedges as opposed to transitioning from pixels with maximum blur (shownto be substantially opaque) to substantially transparent pixels moreslowly. For example, as generated by front display 150, region 5420applies a maximum amount of blur, region 5422 is grayscale (e.g., amedian amount of blur), and region 5424 is transparent so that an imagedisplayed by rear display 140 is viewable.

FIG. 54J illustrates an example of applying scattering using frontdisplay 150 to create a texture effect. In the example of FIG. 54J,scattering implemented by front display 150 is used to add texture tothe image displayed by rear display 140.

FIG. 54K illustrates an example of color enhancement as performed usingfront display 150 to white regions of an image to increase contrast. Forexample, in response to detecting a level of ambient light that exceedsa threshold amount, front display 150 is controlled to apply blurringover regions where white text is detected in the image to enhance theimage. The original image is illustrated on the left and the enhancedimage with increased contrast as a result of the diffusion of lightapplied by front display 150 is on the right. FIG. 54K illustrates ahighlight layer as applied to the text that increases contrast.

FIG. 54L illustrates an example where front display 150 is capable ofgenerating a ticker tape 5430 over image 5432 displayed by rear display140. Ticker tape 5430 can provide scrolling text to convey informationusing front display 150 while rear display 140 is capable of displayingimage(s) as originally formatted.

In one or more embodiments, display 110 is capable of storing one ormore user settings within memory such as memory 5010. The settings, forexample, can indicate to processor 5008 whether to apply scattering forpurposes of obscuring sensitive and/or inappropriate objects includingtext. Further, the settings can specify how aggressive processor 5008applies the blurring described herein. As noted, in one or moreembodiments, the amount of blur applied is increased by stackingadditional front displays 150, where each front display 150 is capableof applying blur by configuring pixels to diffuse light.

FIG. 55 illustrates an example showing content detection and applicationof visual effects. In the example of FIG. 55, an image 5502 is shown.Image 5502 is displayed on rear display 140 of device 110. Image 5502includes a person and text. In the example of FIG. 55, processor 5008 iscapable of recognizing the face of the person in image 5502. Further,processor 5008 is capable of recognizing text within image 5502 andfurther determining that the text is inappropriate. For example,processor 5008 is capable of comparing the recognized text with text ina database. In response to determining that the text of the imagematches text of the database, processor 5008 determines that the text ofthe image should be masked or blurred using a censorship effect.

Accordingly, processor 5008 is capable of generating a signal specifyingscattering information that results in the creation of an image 5504displayed by front display 150. The regions of image 5504 aretransparent or substantially transparent except for scatter region 5506and scatter region 5508. Scatter region 5506 corresponds to thelocation, size, and shape of the face in image 5502. Scatter region 5508corresponds to the size, location, and shape of the text that is to bemasked or censored from image 5502. Processor 5008 causes front display150 to display image 5504 simultaneously with image 5502 so as to applya privacy effect to the face and mask or censor the inappropriate textas shown in image 5510. Image 5510 is the image that is viewable by auser when looking at display 110 operating as described.

FIG. 56 illustrates an example method 5600 for implementing a display.In one or more embodiments, method 5600 is used to implement a displayas described herein in connection with FIGS. 50-55.

In block 5602, a first display is provided. The first display is capableof displaying an image. In block 5604, a second display is provided. Thesecond display can be non-emissive and transparent. Further, the seconddisplay can include a plurality of pixels that are electronicallycontrollable to selectively diffuse light produced by the first display.

In one or more embodiments, the first display is an emissive display.For example, the emissive display can be an LCD, an LED display, a lightenhanced layer, or an OLED display. The second display can be apolymer-dispersed liquid crystal display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, a PSLC display, an electrowetting display,or an LCD including Smectic A liquid crystals.

In particular embodiments, the second display includes at least onepixel of the plurality of pixels that includes dye.

In particular embodiments, a region of the image produced by the firstdisplay is superposed with a region of the second display whereinselected pixels of the plurality of pixels in the region of the seconddisplay are configured to diffuse light. For example, the region mayappear white.

In particular embodiments, the plurality of pixels are electronicallycontrollable to selectively diffuse light produced by the first displayto generate a visual effect applied to the image. Examples of the visualeffects can include, but are not limited to, vignetting, speed, motion,depth, a highlight layer, a privacy filter, a transition, a frame,censorship, blocking (e.g., applying maximum blur), or texturing. Inparticular embodiments, the plurality of pixels are electronicallycontrollable to selectively diffuse light produced by the first displayto increase contrast of the image. The second display is further capableof scattering the light or enhancing the image. the plurality of pixels,for example, can be electronically controlled to selectively diffuse thelight produced by the first display to increase contrast of the image.

In block 5606, a processor is optionally provided. As discussed,additional driver circuitry may be included. The driver circuitry cancouple the processor to the first display and to the second display. Inparticular embodiments, the processor is capable of extractingscattering information embedded in the image and/or video signal togenerate visual effects as specified by the extracted scatteringinformation. In particular embodiments, the processor is capable ofperforming image processing on a video signal or the image insubstantially real time to detect region(s) of the image to which visualeffects are to be applied and control selected pixels of the pluralityof pixels of the second display to generate visual effects for suchregions.

In block 5608, one or more spacers are provided. The spacer(s) can bedisposed between the first display and the second display. The spacer iscapable of varying a distance between the first display and the seconddisplay.

In block 5610, one or more sensors are provided. The sensor is capableof generating sensor information. The plurality of pixels of the firstdisplay and/or the second display can be electronically controllable, atleast in part, based upon the sensor information. In one or moreembodiments, the sensor is configured to detect ambient light. In thatcase, the plurality of pixels can be electronically controllable, atleast in part, to increase contrast of the image based upon a detectedlevel of ambient light, e.g., in response to detecting a minimum levelof ambient light. In one or more embodiments, the sensor is configuredto detect an attribute of a user. Accordingly, the plurality of pixelscan be electronically controllable, at least in part, to apply a visualeffect to the image based upon the attribute of the user. For example,the attributes of the user can include any of the attributes previouslydescribed in this disclosure. Examples of visual effects that can beapplied include, but are not limited to, increasing font size of text,enhancing text, and/or conveying personalized information on a tickertape based upon the attributes (e.g., age, distance, location, and/orwhether the user wears glasses).

FIG. 57 illustrates an example method 5700 for operation of a display.In one or more embodiments, the display is implemented as the exampledisplay described in connection with FIGS. 50-56.

In block 5702, an image is produced on a first display. In block 5704, aprocessor of the device optionally extracts scatter information from areceived video signal specifying the image. For example, the processoris capable of analyzing the received video signal. If scatterinformation is embedded in the video signal, the processor is capable ofextracting the scatter information.

In block 5706, the device optionally generates and analyzes sensorinformation. For example, sensor information can be generated using oneor more sensors. In block 5708, image processing is optionallyperformed. For example, a processor is configured to perform imageprocessing on the image to determine selected pixels of the plurality ofelectronically controllable pixels to adjust to diffuse the light.

In block 5710, the device selectively diffuses light using pixels of asecond display. For example, light associated with the image as producedby the first display is selectively diffused using a plurality ofelectronically controllable pixels of the second display. The seconddisplay can be non-emissive and transparent.

In particular embodiments, selected pixels of the plurality ofelectronically controllable pixels are controlled based, at least inpart, upon the sensor information and/or the image processing. Forexample, the sensor is configured to detect ambient light. Accordingly,the selected pixels of the plurality of electronically controllablepixels can be electronically controllable, at least in part, to increasecontrast of the image based upon a detected level of the ambient light.In another example, the sensor is configured to detect an attribute of auser. Accordingly, the selected pixels of the plurality ofelectronically controllable pixels are electronically controllablebased, at least in part, upon the attribute of the user. In particularembodiments, selected pixels of the plurality of electronicallycontrollable pixels are controlled based, at least in part, upon theimage processing (e.g., the regions determined by the processor byperforming image processing). In particular embodiments, selected pixelsof the plurality of electronically controllable pixels are controlled toselectively diffuse the light to generate a visual effect applied to theimage and/or to selectively diffuse the light to increase contrast ofthe image.

In block 5712, the spacing between the front display and the readdisplay can be varied. In particular embodiments, the spacing is variedautomatically based upon sensor information and/or results from imageprocessing. For example, in any of the situations described herein whereincreased diffusion of light is desired, the spacing between the frontdisplay and the rear display can be increased, e.g., in response todetecting particular user attributes, to increase the maximum bluravailable, based upon level of ambient light, or other condition.

In particular embodiments, the device displays the image so that aportion of the image is shown by having a region of the first displayemit the portion of the image, and by having a region of the seconddisplay corresponding to the portion of the image diffuse light producedby the region of the first display. In general, the processor determinesthe location of the region or regions that are to diffuse light. Theprocessor, for example, encodes the locations of diffusion and amount ofdiffusion to be applied in the signal that is generated and provided tothe second (e.g., front) display. As discussed, the original contentneed not be modified in order to provide customized content using thefront display.

In particular embodiments, the processor is capable of analyzing theimage (e.g., the video signal) and determining whether image or videosignal includes or specifies multimedia and text. In response todetermining that the image includes multimedia content and text, theprocessor is capable of controlling the rear display to display themultimedia portion of the image and/or video signal and the frontdisplay to display the text portion of the image and/or video signal. Byseparating the multimedia content from the text within the image(s) thatare displayed, the device is capable of operation with lower powerconsumption.

FIG. 58 illustrates an example of a display device 110. In the exampleof FIG. 58, display device 110 implements an automultiscopic displaythat is capable of providing view dependent imagery that can beperceived by users without the aid of special eyewear (e.g., glasses).

In the example of FIG. 58, display 140 and displays 150 areelectronically controllable. Display 140 and displays 150 are pixeladdressable. The example illustrated in FIG. 58 may also include a touchinput layer (not shown). Display 140 can be implemented as a lightemitting display. For example, display 140 can be implemented as an LCD,an LED display, a light enhanced layer, or an OLED display. Displays 150are formed using two or more displays 150-1 through 150-N. Displays 150may be implemented as one or more transparent displays. In particularembodiments, displays 150 may be referred to as external layers. In oneor more arrangements, display 140 and displays 150 are aligned asdescribed within this disclosure. For example, the pixels of displays150 and display 140 may be aligned so that their borders are situateddirectly over or under one another and/or so that the transparentregions of pixels of one display are superposed with the addressableregions of pixels of the other display, and vice versa.

In particular embodiments, display device 110 is configured to implementa volumetric display that is capable of generating a 3-dimensional (3D)view using a plurality of different displays. Each of displays 140 and150, for example, is capable of displaying a 2D image. The particulardisplay 140 or displays 150 upon which a given portion of the image isdisplayed generates the 3D view. For example, each of the displays 140and 150 is capable of displaying a slice of the image to provide depthand the 3D view. The 3D view presented depends, at least in part, uponthe spatial resolution corresponding to the space between layers. Forexample, in an (x, y, z) coordinate system, the x and y coordinatescorrespond to left-right and top-bottom directions, respectively, in alayer. The z coordinate is implemented by selecting display 140 or aparticular one of displays 150 (e.g., a particular display in theplurality of displays representing the depth or z coordinate).

In particular embodiments, each of displays 140 and 150 are implementedas electronically controllable displays. Each display 150, for example,may be implemented as any of the various transparent displays describedwithin this disclosure that are capable of reflecting, scattering,and/or diffusing light. For example, each of displays 150 may beimplemented as a PDLC display, an electrochromic display, anelectro-dispersive display, an electrowetting display, suspendedparticle device, an ITO display, or an LCD in any of its phases (e.g.,nematic, TN, STN, Cholesteric, or SmA), or any LC display. Further,pixels of one or more of displays 150 may be dyed. Each of displays 150is pixel addressable to display transparent to scatter, reflection,absorption or any intermediate step therebetween. For example, each ofdisplays 150 is electronically controllable to reflect, scatter, orabsorb ambient light and/or light from a backlight or frontlight.Display 140 may be implemented as a color display. In another example,display 140 may be implemented as a display that is capable ofgenerating different light intensities for different pixels.

In particular embodiments, display device 110 is capable of implementinga parallax configuration that includes one or more parallax barriers. Ina parallax configuration, display device 110 is capable of displayingdifferent images to different points of view. For example, an image canbe displayed on display 140. The image displayed on display 140 includetwo or more spatially multiplexed images therein. Each spatiallymultiplexed image is viewable from a different point of view. Inparticular embodiments, the points of view correspond to a user's eyesthereby producing a 3D image. In particular embodiments, the points viewcorrespond to locations of different users so that different people areable to see different images displayed by display device 110concurrently. In the latter case, each person sees a different image atthe same time based upon the point of view of the person in relation todisplay device 110.

In a parallax configuration, each of displays 150 may be implemented asany one of a variety of the display types described within thisdisclosure that is capable of blocking, diffusing, and/or scatteringlight in a particular direction so as to form one or more parallaxbarriers to create a light field display. Each of displays 150 can bepixel addressable to display transparent to scatter, reflection,absorption or any intermediate step therebetween. For example, each ofdisplays 150 is electronically controllable to reflect, scatter, orabsorb ambient light and/or light from a backlight or frontlight. In oneor more embodiments, one or more or all of displays 150 may be dyed.

In either the volumetric configuration or the parallax configuration, inparticular embodiments, display 110 includes optional spacers betweendisplay 140 and/or displays 150. Spacers may be optionally be includedbetween adjacent pairs of displays 150 as generally described hereinwith reference to FIG. 50. In alternative embodiments, some spacers maybe omitted such that some pairs of adjacent displays have a spacer whileother pairs of adjacent displays do not have a spacer. Spacers may beutilized in embodiments implementing volumetric displays and/or inembodiments implementing a parallax configuration.

In particular embodiments, spacers may be implemented as solid and fixedto create a particular distance between displays. In particularembodiments, the separation distance between adjacent displays may beadjusted mechanically using a motor, for example. In particularembodiments, the separation distance between adjacent displays may beadjusted electronically using piezo actuators, for example.

In particular embodiments where separation distance between at least onepair of adjacent displays is adjustable, the adjusting may bedynamically controlled during operation of display device 110. Forexample, a processor is capable of controlling the mechanical and/orelectronic mechanisms utilized to adjust separation distance tocompensate and/or modify the output of display device 110. Theseparation distance between two adjacent displays may be filled with anair gap or an index matching liquid.

In the example of FIG. 58, driver circuitry 5804 receives controlsignals 5802. In response to control signals 5802, driver circuitry 5804is capable generating drive signals that drive displays 150. Controlsignals 5802 cause driver circuitry 5804 to control displays 150 toimplement a volumetric display, one or more parallax barriers, or both avolumetric display and one or more parallax barriers (e.g.,concurrently). Driver circuitry 5808 receives control signals 5806. Inresponse to control signals 5806, driver circuitry 5808 is capable ofgenerating drive signals capable of driving display 140. Control signals5806 cause driver circuitry 5808 to control display 140.

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, driver circuitry 5804receives control signals 5802 which cause driver circuitry 5804 totransmit drive signals that cause displays 150 to show different contentto two or more users and/or each of the two or more transparent displaysto block, diffuse, or scatter light so that multiple users can seedifferent content on the display concurrently from different points ofview. For example, each spatially multiplexed image within the imagethat is displayed by display device 110 is viewable from a particularpoint of view. As such, if each of a plurality of user is located adifferent one of the points of view, each user is able to see thespatially multiplexed image, e.g., different content, for that point ofview.

Display 140 is filtered by displays 150 configured as multiplevolumetric displays and/or one or more parallax barriers to formmultiple different content images (e.g., the different spatiallymultiplexed images) which can be shown to multiple users atcorresponding multiple different locations concurrently. For example, afirst set of pixels in display 140 can be used to generate a contentimage 1 (e.g., a first of the spatially multiplexed images) that isshown to user 1 at location 1, a second set of pixels that can be usedto generate a content image 2 (e.g., a second of the spatiallymultiplexed images) that is shown to user 2 at location 2, and a thirdset of pixels that can be used to generate a content image 3 (e.g., athird of the spatially multiplexed images) that is shown to user 3 atlocation 3, etc.

The light from display 140 can be blocked or pass through displays 150(e.g., the multiple volumetric display/parallax barriers) thus creatingthe multiple different content images that are shown to the two or moredifferent users at two or more different corresponding locationsconcurrently. For example, the blocking or passing through of light bydisplays 150 can cause content image 1 to be shown to user 1 at location1, but can cause content image 1 to not be shown to user 2 at location 2or to user 3 at location 3. Alternatively, or in addition, the lightfrom display 140 may be blocked or pass through displays 150 in order tocreate a slice of the image at each of the multiple transparent displays150-1 through 150-N to provide depth and a 3D effect to the image thatis shown to one or more users.

FIG. 59 illustrates an exploded view of an example parallaximplementation of display device 110. In the example of FIG. 59, display140 is displaying two different spatially multiplexed images. The pixelsor regions labeled “L” represent portions of a first of the images thatis viewable from a point of view 5902 located left of center when facingthe front of display 110. The pixels or regions labeled “R” representportions of a second of the image that is viewable from a point of view5904 located right of center when facing the front of display 110.

As illustrated, display 150 implements a parallax barrier. In theexample of FIG. 59, one of displays 150 is shown as the parallaxbarrier. Display 150, being the parallax barrier, generates regions ofclear (transparent) and black as illustrated. Display 150 is controlledto block, diffuse, and/or scatter light in a particular direction. Assuch, from point of view 5902, one sees only the “L” portionscorresponding to the first image. From point of view 5904, one sees onlythe “R” portions corresponding to the second image. In particulararrangements, the spacing of the regions in displays 140 and 150 aresuch that point of views 5902 and 5904 represent the location of aperson's eyes. In that case, each eye of a user sees a different imageat the same time resulting in a 3D effect based upon the two imagesdisplayed.

In particular arrangements, the spacing of regions in display 140 (e.g.,L and R) and regions in display 150 may be larger such that points ofview 5902 and 5904 represent different locations at which differentpersons may stand at the same time. In that case, a first personstanding at point of view 5902 sees the first image when looking at thefront of display 110. A second person standing at point of view 5904 atthe same time that the first person stands at point of view 5902 seesthe second image when looking at the front of display 110. As such, whenthe first person is located at point of view 5902 and the second personis located at point of view 5904, each person sees a different image atthe same time.

FIGS. 60A-60C illustrate example views of the parallax configuration ofdisplay device 110 of FIG. 59. FIG. 60A illustrates what a personlocated at point of view 5902 sees when looking at the front of displaydevice 110. From point of view 5902, the person sees the first image.FIG. 60B illustrates what a person located between point of view 5902and point of view 5904 sees when looking at the front of display 110.FIG. 60C illustrates what a person located at point of view 5904 seeswhen looking at the front of display 110. From point of view 5904, theperson sees the second image, which is different than the first image.Again, the person located at point of view 5902 sees the first imagesimultaneously with the second person located at point of view 5904seeing the second image.

In particular embodiments, additional parallax barrier layers may beadded to display 110. As noted, displays 150, for example, may be formedof one or more different layers. With the addition of additionalparallax barrier layers, display 110 is capable of displaying more thantwo different spatially multiplexed images simultaneously to userslocated at different points of view.

FIG. 61 illustrates an exploded view of an example of a volumetricimplementation of display 110 of FIG. 58. In the example of FIG. 61,display 110 is capable of generating 3D images. As pictured, display 110includes layers 6102, 6104, 6104, 6106, 6108, 6110, 6112, 6114, 6116,6118, and 6120. For example, display 140 may implement layer 6102.Displays 150 may implement layers 6104, 6104, 6106, 6108, 6110, 6112,6114, 6116, 6118, and 6120. As pictured, layers 6102-6120, takencollectively, display a 3D view of a sphere. Layers 6102-6120 areelectronically controllable, for example, using a processor and suitableinterface/driver circuitry (e.g., a display controller not shown). Inthis example, each of layers 6102-6120 is pixel addressable to display adifferent slice or portion of the sphere (e.g., the image to bedisplayed in 3D).

In the example of FIG. 61, display device 110 may include backlightingor frontlighting. In the case of frontlighting, display device 110 mayalso include side illuminated layers. Further, display device 110 mayinclude one or more color filters. In particular embodiments, the colorfilters may be one or more of the RGB color filter configurations asillustrated in connection with FIGS. 17 and 18A-18E. The example filterconfigurations of FIGS. 17 and 18A-18E may be used between layers of thevolumetric display examples.

FIG. 62 illustrates another example of a color filter configuration. Inthe example of FIG. 62, the color filter configuration is cyan, yellow,yellow, and magenta. The example filter configuration of FIG. 52 may beused between layers of the volumetric display examples.

FIG. 63 illustrates another example of a color filter configuration. Inthe example of FIG. 63, the color filter configuration is cyan, yellow,green, and magenta. The example filter configuration of FIG. 63 may beused between layers of the volumetric display examples.

FIG. 64 illustrates another example display device 110. In the exampleof FIG. 64, a processor 6402 is included. As pictured, processor 6402 iscoupled to sensors 3706 and to driver circuitry 5804 and 5808. Sensors3706 may be implemented as any of the various different types of sensorsdescribed within this disclosure, e.g., as described with reference toFIG. 37. For example, one or more of sensors 3706 is capable ofdetecting physical presence of a user, distance of a user to display110, location(s) of users within a predetermined distance of displaydevice 110, number of users within a predetermined a range or distanceof display 110, and/or identity of the user. One or more of sensors 3706is capable of detecting attributes of the user as described herein. Inone or more embodiments, one or more sensors 3706 are capable ofdetecting a beacon that is associated with a user in order to determinethe identity of the user. It should be appreciated that a sensor capableof detecting a beacon can be used in any of the various embodimentsdescribed within this disclosure where determination of a user identityis discussed. One or more sensors are capable of detecting light (e.g.,intensity of light including ambient light).

In particular embodiments, one or more of sensors 3706 is implemented asa camera as generally described in connection with FIG. 47. Processor6402 is operable to control display 140 and displays 150. Processor6402, for example, is capable of calculating separation distance andadjusting separation distance between pair(s) of adjacent layers bycontrolling the spacer(s). Processor 6402 further is capable ofanalyzing image data obtained from the camera sensor to track thelocation and/or position of users and/or to perform gaze detection ofusers in the field of view of the camera (e.g., in the viewing cone)located in front of display device 110. Based upon the analysis,processor 6402 is capable of calculating the separation distance betweenlayers and adjusting the separation distance between layers to achievethe calculated separation distance.

In particular embodiments, the camera can be incorporated into acomputer vision system. The computer vision system is capable oftracking users' using facial recognition to determine identity of theusers and/or viewpoint (e.g., gaze direction or viewing angle). In oneor more embodiments, one or more of sensors 3706 can include abeamforming antenna. The beamforming antenna is capable of performingRFID interrogation to provide corroborating data for purposes of useridentification from an RFID-enabled device or ticket. In one or moreembodiments, the beamforming antenna is capable of interrogating auser's phone via a short range wireless communication protocol such asBluetooth®, WiFi™, or another RF protocol. A system including a cameracan be used to determine a user's position or location relative todisplay device 110, eye location, gaze direction, and identity of theuser. In one or more embodiments, processor 6402 is capable of combininguser location information with a model of display device 110 and sensorgeometry to calculate each user's viewing frustum.

Processor 6402 is capable of controlling display 140 and/or any one ormore or all of displays 150 based, at least in part, upon the sensorinformation. For example, using the sensor information, processor 6402is capable of calculating the images and masks (parallax barrier(s)) toprovide a private display to a user (i.e., a display that can only beviewed within a narrow angle around the user's viewing axis). Forexample, processor 6402 is capable of using multiple source images andthe desired viewpoints as input, spatially multiplex the source imagesinto a spatially multiplexed image that is displayed on display 140and/or displays 150. As such, display device 110 is an example of anautomultiscopic display as display 110 is capable of providingview-dependent imagery without the need for special eyewear.

FIG. 65 illustrates an example method 6500 for implementing a displaydevice. In block 6502, a first display is provided. The first display iscapable of producing an image.

In block 6504, a plurality of transparent displays are provided. Each ofthe plurality of transparent displays is capable of producing a slice ofthe image to provide depth and a 3D effect to the image, or at least oneof the plurality of transparent displays is capable of blocking,diffusing, or scattering light so that different ones of a plurality ofusers see different content derived from the image produced by the firstdisplay.

In particular embodiments, each of the transparent displays issubstantially transparent. In particular embodiments, at least one ofthe two transparent displays is made using Smectic A liquid crystals.

In an aspect, each display includes a plurality of pixels.

In particular embodiments, the slice of the image is produced at each ofthe plurality of transparent displays to provide the depth and the 3Deffect to the image and the at least one of the plurality of transparentdisplays blocks, diffuses, or scatters the light so that the differentones of the plurality of users see the different content on the 3Ddisplay.

In one or more embodiments, the first display is an emissive display andthe plurality of transparent displays are non-emissive displays. In anexample, each non-emissive display is at least 90% transparent. Thenon-emissive displays may have a level of transparency of approximately90% or higher. For example, each of the non-emissive displays can have atransparency of approximately 95%. The emissive display can beimplemented as an LCD, a LCD including Smectic A liquid crystals, an LEDdisplay, a light enhanced layer, or an OLED display.

In particular embodiments, at least one pixel of at least one of thenon-emissive displays includes dye. In particular embodiments, at leastone of the plurality of pixels of at least one of the non-emissivedisplays does not include dye and appears substantially white. Inparticular embodiments, at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels ofat least one of the non-emissive displays includes dye in particles,liquid crystal droplets, or liquid crystals of the non-emissive display.In particular embodiments, each of the plurality of transparent displaysincludes a plurality of partially emissive pixels, wherein eachpartially emissive pixel comprises an addressable region and a clearregion.

In block 6506, a processor is optionally provided. The processor can becoupled to driver circuitry, which may also be provided.

In block 6508, one or more spacers are optionally provided. Inparticular embodiments, the spacers are controllable to vary thedistance between consecutive ones of the displays. For example, thespacers can be controlled by the processor. For example, the spacers canbe configured to provide variable spacing by mechanical means (e.g., agearing or track), electronic (e.g., an electrical motor), or viavibrations (e.g., piezo). The spacers can be used for either one or bothof the volumetric display configuration or the parallax configuration.Different displays can have different spacing. In one or moreembodiments, the processor is capable of dynamically modifying thespacing between different consecutive displays to modify the viewingcone for the user in the parallax configuration.

In block 6510, one or more sensors are optionally provided. The sensorsare capable of generating sensor information. For example, at least onepixel of the plurality of pixels of at least one of the displays isadjusted based, at least in part, upon the sensor information.

In particular embodiments, the sensor information includes distancebetween each of a plurality of users to the display device and the atleast one pixel of the plurality of pixels is adjusted based upon thedistance(s). In particular embodiments, the sensor information specifiesa number of the plurality of users detected within a predetermineddistance of the display device and selected pixels of the plurality ofpixels are adjusted, based at least in part on the number of users, sothat each user of the plurality of users sees different content. Forexample, the processor is capable of adjusting the parallax layer and/orparallax layers (e.g., including implementing new or additional parallaxlayers) based upon the number of detected users so that each user isable to view different content and each user is able to view only thecontent for that user.

In particular embodiments, the sensor information includes location ofone or more users within a predetermined distance of the display device.The processor is capable of adjusting one or more of the plurality ofpixels based, at least in part, on the locations of the users. Forexample, the processor is capable of adjusting the parallax layer and/orparallax layers (e.g., including implementing new or additional parallaxlayers) based upon the number of detected users and/or location of eachdetected user so that each user is able to view different content andeach user is able to view only the content for that user.

In particular embodiments, the sensor information specifies an identityof a user of the plurality of users and selected pixels of the pluralityof pixels of at least one of the displays are adjusted, based at leastin part, on the identity of the user. The processor, for example, inresponse to identifying the user, is capable of displaying content thatis specific to the user. The processor, for example, by way of thesensor(s) is capable of accessing the user's mobile phone to accesspurchase history, preferences, browser history, phone calls, upcomingappointments, and/or other information. The processor is capable ofselecting content that is related to the user based upon the determinedidentity and any other information obtained for the user.

In particular embodiments, the sensor information specifies one or moreattributes of one or more users of a plurality of users within apredetermined distance of the display device. Accordingly, the processorof the display device is capable of adjusting selected pixels of theplurality of pixels of at least one of the displays based, at least inpart, on one or more attributes of a user or users. The processor, forexample, in response to determining a height of the user, is capable ofadjusting viewing angle for content that is displayed on display device110 so that content to be viewed at the point of view where the user islocated can be viewed by the user. The attributes of the user caninclude any of the attributes described herein including, but notlimited to, physical traits, e.g., age, whether the user wears glasses,and other attributes described herein. In particular embodiments, thespatially multiplexed image to be shown to a particular user can bemodified based upon the attribute(s) of that user. For example,detecting that a user wears glasses may cause the processor to increasethe size of the spatially multiplexed image for that user or increasethe size of text in the spatially multiplexed image for that user.

FIG. 66 illustrates an example method 6600 for operation of a displaydevice. In block 6602, the display device displays an image using thefirst display, e.g., the rear display. In block 6604, the display devicedisplays the image by generate a slice of the image on each of aplurality of transparent displays to provide a depth and a 3D effect tothe image, or locks, diffuses, or scatters light associated with theimage using at least one of the plurality of transparent displays sothat different ones of a plurality of users see different contentderived from the image on a display device including the first displayand the plurality of transparent displays. Each of the transparentdisplays can be substantially transparent. At least one of the twotransparent displays is made using Smectic A liquid crystals.

In particular embodiments, each display includes a plurality ofelectronically controllable pixels. Accordingly, an appearance of one ormore pixels of the plurality of electronically controllable pixels isadjusted based, at least in part, upon sensor information. The sensorinformation may be any of the different types of sensor informationdescribed herein, whether relating to the user, ambient light, or otherdata. For example, the processor, in response to processing the sensorinformation, is capable of adjusting the appearance of one or more ofthe pixels of one or more of the displays. The sensor information may bedistance of the user to the display, the number of users, the identityof the user(s), or other information as described herein.

In an example, the sensor information specifies distance of a user(e.g., of a plurality of user) to the display device. Accordingly, thedisplaying the image by generating the slice of the image on each of theplurality of transparent displays or the blocking, diffusing, orscattering the light associated with the image can include adjusting theat least one pixel of the plurality of electronically controllablepixels of the at least one of the displays based, at least in part, uponthe distance.

In another example, the sensor information specifies a number of theplurality of users detected within a predetermined distance of thedisplay device. Accordingly, the displaying the image by generating theslice of the image on each of the plurality of transparent displays orthe blocking, diffusing, or scattering the light associated with theimage can include adjusting selected pixels of the plurality ofelectronically controllable pixels of the at least one of the displaysbased, at least in part, upon the number of the plurality of users sothat each user of the plurality of users sees the different content.

In another example, the sensor information specifies an attribute of aselected user of the plurality of users. Accordingly, the displaying theimage by generating the slice of the image on each of the plurality oftransparent displays or the blocking, diffusing, or scattering the lightassociated with the image can include adjusting selected pixels of theplurality of electronically controllable pixels of at least one of thedisplays based, at least in part, upon the attribute of the selecteduser.

As discussed, the displaying the image by generating the slice of theimage on each of the plurality of transparent displays, and theblocking, diffusing, or scattering light associated with the image usingthe at least one of the plurality of transparent displays can beperformed concurrently. For example, the processor is capable ofcontrolling display 140 and displays 150 to generate a volumetric viewand create one or more parallax layers so that multiple different usersat different locations can view different 3D content, e.g., spatiallymultiplexed 3D images, concurrently as presented by the display device.

As an illustrative and nonlimiting example, the font size in an image,e.g., in the volumetric mode or in a spatially multiplexed image in theparallax configuration can be adjusted based upon the distance of theuser from the display and/or an attribute of the user. The font size canbe increased, under control of the processor, in response to determiningthat the user is a minimum distance from the display or, for example, inresponse to determining that the user is at least a minimum age and/orwears glasses. In another example, the processor is capable of applyingeffects, image scaling, color adjustment and/or enhancement, or otherimage processing based upon user preferences determined in response todetecting the identity of the user, distance of the user to the displaydevice, or other attributes of the user.

In another example, the processor is capable of shifting the imagedisplayed by one or more of the displays based upon the user's viewingangle. Such shifting can include shifting the image displayed by thedisplay(s) implementing the parallax layer(s). In another example,display 140 can be controlled by the processor to display an image withdifferent content for each detected user. Further, one or more ofdisplays 150 can be controlled by the processor to implement parallaxbarriers based upon the number of users that are detected to facilitatethe display of different content to each detected user. For example, theprocessor can increase the number of displays that are used as parallaxbarriers based upon the number of detected users and the differentcontent that is provided to each such user. As the number of parallaxbarriers increases, for example, so does angular selectivity and spatialimage resolution, meaning that users will experience higher imagequality and enhanced privacy.

In particular embodiments, one or more of the sensors is capable ofdetecting a direction of motion of the user. The processor, in responseto receiving the sensor information, is capable of providing contentthat is tailored to the user based upon the detected direction the useris walking or traveling relative to the display device.

For example, in the case where display device 110 is located within anairport, train station, or other thoroughfare, the direction that theuser is walking can indicate the likely destination of the user. A userwalking toward the gates in an airport terminal is likely scheduled todepart on a flight and can be shown a schedule of departures as thecontent. A user walking away from the gates is likely leaving theairport and/or proceeding to the baggage claim. The processor is capableof providing that user with a map or information about where to pick upbaggage for different flights. Using the parallax implementation, userswalking or traveling in different directions see different content.

In addition to the direction the user is traveling, if the display iscapable of accessing information from the user's mobile phone, suchinformation may be used to select the particular content that isdisplayed to the user, whether advertising, maps, contextual informationfor a next appointment, or the like. As discussed, in the parallaximplementation, content tailored to the user is not viewable by userslocated in other locations and, as such, is relatively private.

It should be appreciated that each of the various embodiments describedherein, whether a projection system, a color enhancement layer, a visualeffect layer, a volumetric display, and/or a parallax barrierimplementation, any of the various sensors in any combination can beincorporated and/or included. The sensor information generated can beused to adjust the images displayed by any of the displays, whether byapplying color correction, synchronization, alignment of images instacked layers, shifting images, adjusting brightness, reducing and/orincreasing power of a display (brightness), focusing images, reducing orenlarging images, displaying customized content, varying content and/orapplying visual effects based upon distance of the user, location of theuser, identity of the user, and/or number of users detected.

In particular embodiments, a display 150, e.g., one or more displays, asdescribed herein can be incorporated with any of a variety of otherdisplays 140. Display 150 can be controlled by a processor to performany of a variety of different operations. In an illustrative andnonlimiting example, one or more or all of displays 150 can be set tooperate in a transparent mode of operation where the pixels arecontrolled to be transparent. In response to a sensor detecting one ormore users, the processor is capable of activating the parallax barriermode by implementing a parallax barrier in one or more of the displays150. As discussed, the number of parallax barriers implemented dependsupon the number of users detected. Thus, the parallax barrierimplementation need only be invoked as needed dynamically in response todetecting users (e.g., within a particular frustum and/or distance ofthe display device). In cases where no users are detected in a givenrange or area, display device 110 can operate as a regular display withdisplays 150 remaining transparent.

In one or more other embodiments, a front display 150 (e.g., a singledisplay) can be added to an existing display, e.g., rear display 140.For example, in the case of a vending machine or other display that isused regularly by many different users, the surface of the display maybe easily broken and/or become dirty or soiled from frequent use. Insuch an example, front display 150, which can be implemented as atouchscreen display, provides protection for rear display 140, which maybe a higher quality display. Front display 150, for example, may bereplaced when broken while rear display 140 remains operational andprotected.

In one or more embodiments, a front display 150, e.g., one or moredisplays, can be positioned above a mirror or mirrored surface. Whenfront display 150 is configured to be transparent, the mirror ormirrored surface is visible to users. In particular embodiments, frontdisplay 150 is implemented as a touchscreen. In that case, front display150, which is left transparent, can be activated to display content to auser in response to a touch from the user. Thus, the content issuperposed over the mirror or mirrored surface.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Notwithstanding,several definitions that apply throughout this document now will bepresented.

A computer readable storage medium refers to a storage medium thatcontains or stores program code for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. As defined herein, a“computer readable storage medium” is not a transitory, propagatingsignal per se. A computer readable storage medium may be, but is notlimited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, anoptical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. Memory, as described herein, are examples of a computerreadable storage medium. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examplesof a computer readable storage medium may include: a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact discread-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memorystick, a floppy disk, or the like.

A computer-readable storage medium may include one or moresemiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such, as forexample, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specificICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs),optical discs, optical disc drives (ODDs), magneto-optical discs,magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs),magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM-drives, SECURE DIGITALcards or drives, any other suitable computer-readable non-transitorystorage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these,where appropriate. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium maybe volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile andnon-volatile, where appropriate.

Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicatedotherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B”means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicatedotherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unlessexpressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,”unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

The term “processor” refers at least one hardware circuit. The hardwarecircuit may be configured to carry out instructions contained in programcode. The hardware circuit may be an integrated circuit. Examples of aprocessor include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit(CPU), an array processor, a vector processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmablelogic array (PLA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),programmable logic circuitry, and a controller.

As defined herein, the term “real time” means a level of processingresponsiveness that a user or system senses as sufficiently immediatefor a particular process or determination to be made, or that enablesthe processor to keep up with some external process. As defined herein,the term “user” means a human being.

As defined herein, the term “if” means “when” or “upon” or “in responseto” or “responsive to,” depending upon the context. Thus, the phrase “ifit is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” maybe construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining”or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response todetecting [the stated condition or event]” or “responsive to detecting[the stated condition or event]” depending on the context.

As defined herein, the terms “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” orsimilar language mean that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment described within this disclosure. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “inparticular embodiments,” “in one or more embodiments,” and similarlanguage throughout this disclosure may, but do not necessarily, allrefer to the same embodiment.

The term “substantially” means that the recited characteristic,parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations orvariations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement error,measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effectthe characteristic was intended to provide.

The terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe variouselements. These elements should not be limited by these terms, as theseterms are only used to distinguish one element from another unlessstated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

A computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.Within this disclosure, the term “program code” is used interchangeablywith the term “computer readable program instructions” or “instructions”as stored in memory.

For purposes of simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shownin the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative toother elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate,reference numbers are repeated among the figures to indicatecorresponding, analogous, or like features.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements that may be found in the claimsbelow are intended to include any structure, material, or act forperforming the function in combination with other claimed elements asspecifically claimed.

This scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions,variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodimentsherein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend.The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodimentsdescribed or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosuredescribes or illustrates respective embodiments herein as includingparticular components, elements, functions, operations, or steps, any ofthese embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any ofthe components, elements, functions, operations, or steps described orillustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in theart would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims toan apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system beingadapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operableto, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses thatapparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particularfunction is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as thatapparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable,configured, enabled, operable, or operative.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a first displayconfigured to produce an image; and a plurality of transparent displaysin front of the first display; wherein at least one of the plurality oftransparent displays is configured to block, diffuse, or scatter lightassociated with the image produced by the first display so thatdifferent ones of a plurality of users in front of the plurality oftransparent displays see different content derived from the imageproduced by the first display; wherein each of the transparent displaysis substantially transparent; and a spacer configured to providevariable spacing between at least one of the first display and aselected transparent display of the plurality of transparent displaysconsecutive with the first display, or two consecutive transparentdisplays of the plurality of transparent displays, wherein the spacer isconfigured to adjust an amount of scattering, produced by the selectedtransparent display or one of the two consecutive transparent displays,of the image from the first display.
 2. The display device of claim 1,wherein each display includes a plurality of electronically controllablepixels.
 3. The display device of claim 2, further comprising: a sensorconfigured to generate sensor information, wherein at least one pixel ofthe plurality of pixels of at least one of the displays is adjustedbased, at least in part, upon the sensor information.
 4. The displaydevice of claim 3, wherein the sensor information specifies a distanceof a user of the plurality of users to the display device and the atleast one pixel of the plurality of pixels is adjusted based upon thedistance.
 5. The display device of claim 3, wherein the sensorinformation specifies a location of a selected user of the plurality ofusers relative to the display device and the at least one pixel of theplurality of pixels is adjusted based upon a viewing angle of theselected user determined using the location to adjust a parallax barrierimplemented by at least one of the plurality of transparent displays. 6.The display device of claim 3, wherein: the sensor information specifiesa number of the plurality of users detected within a predetermineddistance of the display device and selected pixels of the plurality ofpixels are adjusted based, at least in part, upon the number of theplurality of users so that each user of the plurality of users seesdifferent content; or the sensor information specifies an attribute of aselected user of the plurality of users and selected pixels of theplurality of pixels of at least one of the displays are adjusted, basedat least in part, upon the attribute of the selected user.
 7. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality oftransparent displays is made using Smectic A liquid crystals.
 8. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein at least another one of the pluralityof transparent displays is configured to produce a slice of the image toprovide depth and a three-dimensional effect to the image.
 9. Thedisplay device of claim 8, wherein the spacer is configured to modify aspatial resolution of the three-dimensional effect.
 10. The displaydevice of claim 1, wherein the spacer is configured to modify a viewingcone for the different ones of the plurality of users seeing thedifferent content.
 11. The display device of claim 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of transparent displays includes a plurality of partiallyemissive pixels, wherein each partially emissive pixel includes anaddressable region and a clear region.
 12. The display device of claim2, wherein the first display is an emissive display and each transparentdisplay of the plurality of transparent displays is a non-emissivedisplay.
 13. The display device of claim 12, wherein: at least one pixelof the plurality of pixels of at least one of the non-emissive displaysincludes dye; or at least one of the plurality of pixels of at least oneof the non-emissive displays does not include dye and appearssubstantially white; or at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels ofat least one of the non-emissive displays includes dye in particles,liquid crystal droplets, or liquid crystals of the non-emissive display.14. The display device of claim 12, wherein: each non-emissive displayis at least 90 percent transparent; and the emissive display is aliquid-crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, a light enhancedlayer, or an organic light-emitting diode display.
 15. A method,comprising: providing a first display configured to produce an image;providing a plurality of transparent displays in front of the firstdisplay; wherein at least another one of the plurality of transparentdisplays is configured to block, diffuse, or scatter light associatedwith the image produced by the first display so that different ones of aplurality of users in front of the plurality of transparent displays seedifferent content derived from the image produced by the first display;wherein each of the transparent displays is substantially transparent;and providing a spacer configured to provide variable spacing between atleast one of the first display and a selected transparent display of theplurality of transparent displays consecutive with the first display, ortwo consecutive transparent displays of the plurality of transparentdisplays, wherein the spacer is configured to adjust an amount ofscattering, produced by the selected transparent display or one of thetwo consecutive transparent displays, of the image from the firstdisplay.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein each display includes aplurality of electronically controllable pixels.
 17. The method of claim16, further comprising: providing a sensor configured to generate sensorinformation, wherein at least one pixel of the plurality of pixels of atleast one of the displays is adjusted based, at least in part, upon thesensor information.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sensorinformation specifies a distance of a user of the plurality of users toa display device including the first display and the plurality oftransparent displays, and the at least one pixel of the plurality ofpixels is adjusted based upon the distance.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the sensor information specifies a location of a selected userof the plurality of users relative to a display device including thefirst display and the plurality of transparent displays, and the atleast one pixel of the plurality of pixels is adjusted based upon aviewing angle of the selected user determined using the location toadjust a parallax barrier implemented by at least one of the pluralityof transparent displays.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein: the sensorinformation specifies a number of the plurality of users detected withina predetermined distance of a display device including the first displayand the plurality of transparent displays, and selected pixels of theplurality of pixels are adjusted based, at least in part, upon thenumber of the plurality of users so that each user of the plurality ofusers sees the different content; or the sensor information specifies anattribute of a selected user of the plurality of users and selectedpixels of the plurality of pixels of at least one of the displays areadjusted based, at least in part, upon the attribute of the selecteduser.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the pluralityof transparent displays is made using Smectic A liquid crystals.
 22. Themethod of claim 15, wherein at least another one of the plurality oftransparent displays is configured to produce a slice of the image toprovide depth and a three-dimensional effect to the image.
 23. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the spacer is configured to modify a spatialresolution of the three-dimensional effect.
 24. The method of claim 15,wherein the spacer is configured to modify a viewing cone for thedifferent ones of the plurality of users seeing the different content.25. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of transparentdisplays includes a plurality of partially emissive pixels, wherein eachpartially emissive pixel includes an addressable region and a clearregion.
 26. The method of claim 16, wherein the first display is anemissive display and each transparent display of the plurality oftransparent displays is a non-emissive display.
 27. The method of claim26, wherein: each non-emissive display is at least 90 percenttransparent; and the emissive display is a liquid-crystal display, alight-emitting diode display, a light enhanced layer, or an organiclight-emitting diode display.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein: atleast one pixel of the plurality of pixels of at least one of thenon-emissive displays includes dye; or at least one of the plurality ofpixels of at least one of the non-emissive displays does not include dyeand appears substantially white; or at least one pixel of the pluralityof pixels of at least one of the non-emissive displays includes dye inparticles, liquid crystal droplets, or liquid crystals of thenon-emissive display.
 29. A method, comprising: displaying an imageusing a first display; blocking, diffusing, or scattering lightassociated with the image produced by the first display using at leastone of a plurality of transparent displays in front of the first displayso that different ones of a plurality of users in front of the pluralityof transparent displays see different content derived from the imageproduced by the first display; wherein each of the plurality oftransparent displays is substantially transparent; and providing, usinga spacer, variable spacing between at least one of the first display anda selected transparent display of the plurality of transparent displaysconsecutive with the first display, or two consecutive transparentdisplays of the plurality of transparent displays, wherein the spacer isconfigured to adjust an amount of scattering, produced by the selectedtransparent display or one of the two consecutive transparent displays,of the image from the first display.
 30. The method of claim 29, whereineach display includes a plurality of electronically controllable pixels,the method further comprising: adjusting an appearance of at least onepixel of the plurality of electronically controllable pixels of at leastone of the displays based, at least in part, upon sensor information.31. The method of claim 30, wherein: the sensor information specifiesdistance of a user of the plurality of users to a display deviceincluding the first display and the plurality of transparent displays,wherein the at least one pixel of the plurality of electronicallycontrollable pixels of the at least one of the displays is adjustedbased, at least in part, upon the distance; or the sensor informationspecifies a number of the plurality of users detected within apredetermined distance of a display device including the first displayand the plurality of transparent displays, wherein selected pixels ofthe plurality of electronically controllable pixels of the at least oneof the displays are adjusted based, at least in part, upon the number ofthe plurality of users so that each user of the plurality of users seesthe different content, or the sensor information specifies an attributeof a selected user of the plurality of users, wherein the selectedpixels of the plurality of electronically controllable pixels of atleast one of the displays based are adjusted based, at least in part,upon the attribute of the selected user.
 32. The method of claim 29,wherein at least one of the plurality of transparent displays is madeusing Smectic A liquid crystals.
 33. The method of claim 29, wherein thespacer is configured to modify a viewing cone for the different ones ofthe plurality of users seeing the different content.
 34. The method ofclaim 29, wherein at least another one of the plurality of transparentdisplays is configured to produce a slice of the image to provide depthand a three-dimensional effect to the image.